South Carolina Green Party

Visit the New South Carolina Green Party site

2011-02-28T18:45:00.000-05:00

Visit the new South Carolina Green Party web log at

http://scgreenparty.org

This blogger site is no longer being updated. It is an archive for posts made from 2006 - 2009. Entries for 2010 exist on both sites.

Press Release: South Carolina Green Party Looks Forward to Senate Race

2010-06-18T12:15:00.001-04:00

South Carolina Green Party Looks Forward to Senate Race

The South Carolina Green Party Convention nominated well-known Columbia progressive Tom Clements for the office of United States Senator on May 1st of this year. Clements' name will appear on the ballot against incumbent Jim DeMint in the November 2, 2010 election.

Tom brings a long history of personal involvement in politics through his activism against nuclear power and for environmental responsibility.

Incumbent Republican Senator Jim DeMint deserves a vigorous challenge for his lack of attention to the people of South Carolina. His policies - outright opposition to any substantive health care reform, a weakening of campaign finance rules, laxity in corporate controls, unbridled support for Wall Street greed, uncritical boosterism of the nuclear and oil industries and an unseemly enthusiasm for an interventionist foreign policy that has needlessly cost of American lives and dollars - harm rather than benefit the people of South Carolina.

Tom Clements is a candidate with a history of public service and employment with organizations that have made a direct, positive impact on the lives of South Carolinians.

Tom is currently the Southeastern Nuclear Campaign Coordinator for the US branch of Friends of the Earth in Columbia, South Carolina, a full-time position he has held since January 2008. He focuses on issues related to nuclear power and nuclear waste and is the public interest watchdog over the Department of Energy’s Savannah River site. Tom worked for 13 years as a nuclear campaigner with the Greenpeace International nuclear campaign and for three years was the executive director of the Nuclear Control Institute in Washington, DC, where he worked on a host of issues related to proliferation of nuclear materials and technology. Tom won the Grassroots Activist of the Year award from the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability (an umbrella group of NGO’s working around Department Of Energy nuclear sites). In 2009 he also won the Thunder and Lightning activist award from the S.C. Progressive Network in 2009.

Tom has extensive foreign policy experience and has interacted with a host of governments at the United Nations in New York and Geneva and at embassies in Washington and abroad. Tom, who is fluent in Spanish, has served as a volunteer with the Red Cross, Peace Brigades International in Bogota, Colombia and the Peace Corps in Costa Rica.

In addition, Tom has been a volunteer with the Talking Books Program in Georgia. He worked as a carpenter and home renovation contractor for five years.

Tom has a Masters in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia and a BA from Emory University.

The Green Party pledges to run a clean, good-spirited campaign focused on challenging the do-nothing corporate politics of Jim DeMint by providing South Carolinians with a positive new approach to government. Tom Clements is interested in increasing popular involvement in government so that we can better safeguard our environment and the civil and social rights we all should enjoy. As Senator, Tom will work to open the books on the connections between government and business in South Carolina. At a time when the entire world has come to look at our state as an example of what is wrong with American politics, a clean campaign on putting government at the service of the people can help move our state forward and help bring about solutions to the problems of homelessness, poverty, lack of health care, wars of aggression and the environment.

The South Carolina Green Party is a progressive political party working for the economic, social and political advancement of the people of our state. The South Carolina Green Party has been a ballot qualified party in South Carolina since 2004. Since becoming a ballot qualified party in South Carolina, the Green Party has run candidates for federal, state and local office. Party steering committee member Eugene Platt is an elected member of the James Island Public Service District. Notable past campaigns include Arnold Karr's 2006 run for State Superintendent of Education; James Dunn's 2004 and 2006 runs for U.S. Representative from the 1st Congressional District; and Faye Walters for U.S. Representative in the 4th Congressional District in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010. The Greens have nominated Morgan Reeves as a fusion candidate for Governor in 2010. A complete list of our 2010 candidates can be found here: http://scgreenparty.wordpress.com/our-2010-federal-candidates/

Contact:

SC Green Party Co-Chair: Gregg Jocoy

(803) 272-4752

Toll free: (877) 282-2236

scgreenpartypressoffice@gmail.com

Websites:

South Carolina Green Party: http://scgreenparty.org

Tom Clements for Senate: http://clementsforsenate.org

Tom Clements for U.S. Senate Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tom-Clements-for-US-Senate/128952760459672?ref=ts

Meet the 2010 Green Party Candidates

2010-06-11T14:32:00.010-04:00

2010 Candidates of the South Carolina Green Party

For United States Senate: Tom Clements

Tom Clements is currently the Southeastern Nuclear Campaign Coordinator for the US branch of Friends of the Earth, a full-time position he has held since January 2008. Tom worked for 13 years as a nuclear campaigner with the Greenpeace International nuclear campaign and for three years was the director of the Nuclear Control Institute in Washington, DC, where he worked on a host of issues related to proliferation of nuclear materials and technology. In the past, Tom has served as a volunteer with the Red Cross, Peace Brigades International, and with the Talking Books Program in Georgia. Tom has a Masters in Forest resources from the University of Georgia and a BA from Emory University. He is a sixth generation Georgian who was born in Savannah. In 2009, Tom won the Grassroots Campaigner of the Year award from the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability (umbrella group of NGO’s working around Department Of Energy nuclear sites) and also won the Thunder and Lightning activist award from the S.C. Progressive Network in 2009.

For U.S. House of Representatives, District 1: Robert Dobbs

Robert Dobbs is a U.S. Army Airborne veteran and small business owner who lives and works in Georgetown. Married with two daughters, Robert served five terms as a county supervisor and one term as a city councilman in his home state of Wisconsin. A disabled veteran and the father of children diagnosed with autism, Robert Dobbs is a strong advocate for disabled persons. Robert Dobbs pledges to work as a citizen legislator for the people of South Carolina: he will accept no pension for his work there, will vote against pay increases for Congress and pledges to return any Congressional raises to the U.S. Treasury. In order to build a lasting foundation for America’s economic prosperity and security, we need to organize around the core challenges facing Americans and their families: create jobs and rebuild our economy, keep families in their homes and not in foreclosure, health care reform that helps families and not insurance companies and better funding for our education system.

Web site: http://www.electdobbs.com

For U.S. House of Representatives, District 4: Faye Walters

Faye Walters is a Greenville political activist and local business owner. Faye has campaigned for the District 1 congressional seat in every election since 1996. Faye favors a shift from military power to increased use of intelligence and peaceful alliances with other countries, the use of renewable energy sources, and universal health care insurance that will put funds from existing programs into one fund resulting in less fraud, less confusion and less worry for the consumer. Faye supports the replacement of the VA system with efficient medical coverage that will respectfully handle the needs of returning soldiers and provide funding to those who have long-term physical needs. Faye would taking aggressive action and be committed to increasing both energy efficiency and the use of renewable and non-polluting energy sources. This approach will protect our environment, create energy self-sufficiency and create new jobs and new industry in energy conservation and renewable energy sources.

Web site: http://www.fayewalters.org

For U.S. House of Representatives, District 6: Nammu Muhammad

Nammu Muhammad is a life-long resident of the threatened Waverly community in Columbia. An electrician, Nammu has worked against gentrification and the displacement of longstanding communities by a business driven and unaccountable development program. Together with other residents, Nammu organized and helps to operate a community meeting place at 2523 Read Street in Waverly. Nammu was a candidate for mayor of Columbia in 2010.

2010 State Candidates of the South Carolina Green Party

For South Carolina Governor: Morgan Reeves

Morgan Reeves is a pastor and businessman from Irmo. A talented Irmo High School athlete, Morgan graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Planning and a minor in Business Administration. Morgan went on to play in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Colts. Morgan is a Volunteer Minister and Counselor for the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and former pastor of six churches in South Carolina. Morgan is founder and president of the M.B.Reeves Community Unity Scholarship Foundation and is an active fundraiser for Allen University in Columbia. Morgan owns and manages a construction land-clearing company which has provided jobs for children during the summer.

Web site: http://www.morganreevesforgovernor.com

For South Carolina Attorney General: Leslie Minerd

Leslie Minerd is a small business person, operating the Hip Wa Zee in the Five Points area of Columbia for more than a decade. Minerd is known across the state for her dedication to environmental and human rights causes. Clean Air, No Nukes, and Social Justice could well be Minerd’s tag line. Voted one of South Carolina’s most successful activists, Minerd has a long history in the center of South Carolina progressive politics. In 1999 she and two other activists in South Carolina helped re-establish the United Citizens Party. She led the effort to place Ralph Nader atop the UCP ticket in 2000. She is a member of the Five Points Association, serving on their Future 5 Committee and Green Committee, pointing to her commitment to the Green Values of Future Focus and Ecological Wisdom.

For South Carolina Superintendent of Education: Dorthea Bull

Dorthea Bull ran for the Richland County School District One at-large seat in 2008, earning more than 4000 votes. The owner of the Dorothea's African-American Books and Gifts on Two Notch Road for many years, Bull has been a leader in the South Carolina Statewide Maafa Reparations Committee. She was featured on “Connections”, an ETV program. The episode, “Connections: Attack On America-A Broader View”, and addressed the questions “How do African-Americans feel about the aftermath of the attacks on September 11th? Are African-Americans more patriotic? Do we feel the oneness? And what about American foreign policy?”

For South Carolina House District 115: Eugene Platt

Eugene Platt, the only Green serving in an elected position in South Carolina, is a candidate for State House Seat 115. Currently, Platt serves on the James Island Public Service District Commission. He has held that position since 1993 and most recently was reelected in 2008 as the top votegetter among eight candidates. Platt pledges to be one of the strongest voices in the State Legislature for working families. He would introduce legislation to end South Carolina's status as a so-called "Right to Work" state. Environmental and social justice issues are among Platt’s chief concerns. Platt says the criminal justice system must be completely revamped, focusing on the safety of law-abiding citizens. To that end, the State Highway Patrol should be increased by at least 100 new troopers to insure the safety of our highways. Recognizing that capital punishment compromises our corporate morality and has no place in a civilized society, he would work to end it in South Carolina---and the nation. he is encouraged by growing disenchantment about both major parties being expressed by voters not only in House District 115 Voters want true altenatives---and they are truly ready to “Live Green, Vote Green.”

Web site: http://voteplatt.com

For South Carolina House District 25: D.C. Swinton

D.C. Swinton is running as a Green/Democrat who will infuse youth into the SC House of Representatives. Swinton will work for a moratoium on new coal and nuclear plants in SC. Public utilities should be repairing the electrical grid, thereby improving efficiency and creating jobs. Swinton proposes tax credits for homeowners and businesses that install white or green roofs and reduce energy consumption. We cannot continue to cut funds from education. Teachers should be encouraged by pay incentives to work in poorer districts. Swinton will work to make ballot initiatives an effective tool of the electorate. Citizen involvement in the political process will increase legislative accountability. Women make up over half of our population, but only a small number of SC elected officials. Swinton will sponsor legislation that would require all parties that offer a male candidate for a state office to submit a female candidate to contest the primary.

Web site: http://dc4sc.net

For South Carolina House District 74: Christopher Jones

Christopher Jones is a student at Midland Tech in Columbia. Following in Nammu Muhammad’s footsteps into politics as a way to improve the community he lives and works in, Jones is one of two Green Party candidates in his 20s. His campaign will be focused in part on helping people in his community find ways to connect in meaningful ways, using The Meeting Place community center as a template for organizing across the area.

Nominations set for November 2010

2010-05-21T15:49:00.002-04:00

Under federal court order, the South Carolina Election Commission will permit ballot qualified parties to place nominees from other parties on their ballot line. The South Carolina Green Party may consider adding other party nominees to our ballot line later, but for now, the following are the South Carolina Green Party's nominees for 2010!

Governor: Morgan Reeves
Attorney General: Leslie Minerd
 Superintendent of Education: Doretha Bull
 US Senate: Tom Clements 
US House District 1 - Robert Dobbs
 US House District 4 - C. Faye Walters 
US House District 6 - Nammu Muhammad 
SC House District 24 - D.C. Swinton 
SC House District 74 - Christopher Jones 
SC House District 115 - Eugene Platt

Each of these candidates needs and deserves our active support. Please write GreggJocoy@yahoo.com to volunteer or to donate to any of them.

SC Green Party Ballot Access Case before the Federal Court of Appeals

2010-05-11T13:23:00.000-04:00

This morning in Richmond, Virginia, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), our country's preeminent institutional guardian of Constitutional rights, argued the case of South Carolina Green Party (SCGP) v. South Carolina State Election Commission (SEC) in the Federal Court of Appeals (for the Fourth Circuit). For details click on this link: http://www.aclu.org/voting-rights/aclu-tells-appellate-court-south-carolinas-ballot-access-law-unconstitutional

Although a decision by the court may be weeks or months away, the SCGP remains optimistic. Furthermore, although I would not presume to speak for the ACLU, based on its unwavering commitment to the protection of Constitutional rights, I think the ACLU would, if necessary, be prepared to argue this case in the Supreme Court of the United States.

- Thanks to Eugene Platt for the update!

Various voting rights websites have been following this case. Ballot Access News offers this summary:

On May 11, the 4th circuit heard oral arguments in South Carolina Green Party v South Carolina Election Commission, 09-1915. The issue is whether the Green Party’s convention nomination of a legislative candidate, early in the election year, can be voided if that candidate then tries and fails to get another party’s nomination. The three judges were Barbara Keenan, an Obama appointee; Sam Wilson, a visiting U.S. District Court judge from Virginia and a Bush Sr. appointee; and Clyde Hamilton, another Bush Sr. appointee. Perhaps someone who attended the hearing may help us out and describe how the hearing went, via the comments section.

We will post the text of the court's decision when it is released.

State convention a huge success...now the real work begins!

2010-05-04T08:26:00.002-04:00

The South Carolina Green Party held our nominating convention this past Saturday, as scheduled, at the Happy China Buffet. With a full agenda we were able to stay on track, and concluded our most successful convention to date with a bang. We honored Elke Kennedy and her husband Jim Parker for their work with Sean's Last Wish Foundation, and also honored Rolf Baghdady for his service to some of South Carolina's poorer citizens, and for his service as the Green Party's attorney in our fight against Duke Energy of the Carolina's rate hike request before the Public Service Commission. We raised money for the state party and for Sean's Last Wish, and nominated our slate of candidates.

We also elected Eugene Platt, Larry Carter Center, Sue Edward and Scott West to full two year terms on the Steering Committee. Scott West and Larry Carter Center were also elected to represent the SCGP at the national convention scheduled for this summer in Detroit. The Steering Committee will elect officers and delegates to the national committee at the next committee meeting.

Each campaign needs help in the next few months. We are not a party with a lot of wealth, so each of us can make a big difference with a donation of time, skills or cash...or all three! From press officers to fund raisers to campaign managers to door knockers, our candidates need your support! To offer your help, please write GreggJocoy@yahoo.com and I'll put you in touch with someone who needs your help right away.

Join Us at the Green Party State Convention on May 1st!

2010-04-28T01:53:00.001-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 8 No. 2 – April 26, 2010
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON MAY 1st
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON MAY 1st
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(4) MAKE YOUR 2010 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS

**********************************************************************
(1) JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON MAY 1st **********************************************************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, May 1st, 11:30-4:00 p.m. We will be meeting at the Happy China Restaurant, 2250 Sunset Blvd, Columbia, 29169, 803-796-7477. The agenda is below. A nearby hotel for attendees, with a rate of $99 per night, is the Hampton Inn, 1094 Chris Drive, West Columbia, South Carolina 29169.

Everyone is encouraged to attend! Official voting delegates to the state convention have already been chosen through precinct meetings and county conventions leading up to the state convention, following the timetable set up in the bylaws; however, all SC Green Party members are encouraged to participate in our planning for the upcoming election cycle.

**********************************************************************
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON MAY 1st
**********************************************************************

11:30 Sign in and lunch

12:30 General business meeting
1st Annual Four Pillars Award: Elke Kennedy/Sean's Last Wish
Business meeting  Steering committee nominations

1:30 Candidate nominations
Governor: Morgan Reeves
Attorney General: Leslie Minerd
 Superintendent of Education: Doretha Bull
 US Senate: Tom Clements 
US House District 1 - Robert Dobbs
 US House District 4 - C. Faye Walters 
US House District 6 - Nammu Muhammad 
SC House District 24 - D.C. Swinton 
SC House District 74 - Christopher Jones 
SC House District 115 - Eugene Platt

3:30 Business meeting, part 2
USGP convention delegate nominations
Planning for November 
Wrap up & adjourn

**********************************************************************
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now closed for the Steering Committee elections. Committee members will be elected by current members attending the State Convention. Four people have accepted nominations to be on the ballot for our four open positions:

Larry Carter Center:

Please vote for me to serve again on the SCGP Steering Committee. I bring professional fund raising experience, 1987 Green City Council Candidacy and over 20 years of affiliation with Greens in Iowa and now South Carolina to share for our growth, positions and advocacy. It is imperative that real reform of the ruling clique of corporation owned D's & R's to be dis-established practically and I shall help Green candidates and run myself for office.

Sue Edward:

I have served on the SC Green Party Steering Committee as co-chair since summer 2009. During this time the party has grown, adding new county chapters and new members, and we are heading into our most exciting election year ever. I also serve as chair of the Charleston Green Party, guiding that group from start-up to the most active affiliate of the SCGP. I am also active in many progressive groups and causes including those dedicated to state/church separation, reproductive freedom, workers' rights, peace, environment, and others that support my view of the Ten Key Values. I bring my passion, dedication, and experience to the SCGP and look forward to success in November and beyond.

Eugene Platt:

Eugene Platt is a veteran and graduate of the University of South Carolina. He is the only Green in holding an elected position in South Carolina. He has served on the James Island Public Service District Commission since 1993 and currently is a candidate for the State Legislature. He has served on the steering commitee previously. During that tenure he assumed primary responsibility for candidate recruitment, initiating the effort that, with the help of others, has culminated in the strongest slate of candidates the SCGP has ever offered.

Scott West:

I would like to continue as a steering committee member of the South Carolina Green Party. As a representative from Spartanburg County, my presence offers opportunities for growth in a "new" area. I feel that our statewide and congressional candidates in 2010 deserve campaign committees in this sector of the state and I look forward to cooperating with Faye Walters, Morgan Reeves, Leslie Minerd, Dorthea Bull, and Tom Clements in fostering progressive politics in the Upstate.

**********************************************************************
(4) MAKE YOUR 2010 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2010, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, reply to this email (if you're on our distribution list) or contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.come, 803-799-1205.

CHARLESTON GREEN PARTY (Charleston/Berkeley/Dorchester)
Next meeting: TBA at Earth Fare on Folly Rd Blvd.
For more information, contact:
Sue Edward, charlestongreens@gmail.com, 843-763-7304
Larry Carter Center 843-926-1750
www.charlestongreenparty.org

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

GREENVILLE COUNTY GREENS (Greenville):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, greggjocoy@riseup.net, 803-984-5414.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a year, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Larry Carter Center (2008-2010), charlestongreens@gmail.com
843-926-1750

Sue Edward (2008-2010), charlestongreens@gmail.com

Gregg Jocoy (2009-2011), greggjocoy@riseup.net, 803-984-5414.
4 Polaski Court,  Simpsonville, SC 29681

Charles McClendon (2008-2010), dr.charlesmcclendon@gmail.com

Nammu Muhammad (2009-2011), blackvista2010@aol.com
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Scott West (2008-2010), slwest@gmail.com
3 Oakland Avenue, Inman, SC 29349-1542

David Whiteman (2009-2011), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: [vacant]
Media Committee: [vacant]

*********************************************
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Eugene Platt (elected)
James Island Public Service District Commission

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

Eleven candidates seeking South Carolina Green Party nomination

2010-04-08T12:49:00.005-04:00

Our current list of candidates is:

U.S. SENATE: Tom Clements.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, District 1: Robert Dobbs.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, District 4: Faye Walters.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, District 6: Nammu Muhammad.
GOVERNOR: Morgan Reeves
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Leslie Minerd.
SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION: Doretha Bull.
S.C. HOUSE, District 24: D.C. Swinton.  
S.C. HOUSE, District 74: Christopher Jones. 
S.C. HOUSE, District 115: Eugene Platt.
RICHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL, District 5: Antonio Williams.

Other non-partisan races will be announced at a later date. Greens who are interested in school board, Soil and Water Conservation District Commission and other non-partisan races are encouraged to get in touch with the steering committee as soon as possible.

Join Us at the Green Party State Convention on May 1st!

2010-03-27T14:32:00.001-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 8 No. 1 – March 28, 2010
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON MAY 1st
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(3) MAKE YOUR 2010 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON MAY 1st **********************************************************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, May 1st, 12:00-4:00 p.m. We will be meeting at the Happy China Restaurant, 2250 Sunset Blvd, Columbia, 29169, 803-796-7477.

We will follow our usual agenda, beginning with elections for the Steering Committee, then nominations for federal and statewide offices, elections for delegates to the national Green Party convention, and then planning for the 2010 general election in November. A specific agenda will be in the next edition of the Bulletin.

Everyone is encouraged to attend! Official voting delegates to the state convention have already been chosen through precinct meetings and county conventions leading up to the state convention, following the timetable set up in the bylaws; however, all SC Green Party members are encouraged to participate in our planning for the upcoming election cycle.

**********************************************************************
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now open for election to the Steering Committee. Nominations and confirmations (see below) must be received no later than April 17th (two weeks before the State Convention). The terms of four Steering Committee members are ending (Scott West, Sue Edward, Larry Carter Center, and Charles McClendon), so four positions will be open.

Nominations may be emailed (just reply to this email or to davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com) or mailed (SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC 29250).

In order to be eligible to be on the ballot, anyone nominated must certify by April 17th that they (a) are interested in being on the ballot, (b) are a member of the Party, and (c) do not occupy a leadership position in any other political party. All nominees should also submit a brief personal statement for inclusion in the SCGP Bulletin and the State Convention agenda packet.

After nominations are closed on April 18th, the Steering Committee will provide a final list of nominees.

**********************************************************************
(3) MAKE YOUR 2010 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2010, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, reply to this email (if you're on our distribution list) or contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.come, 803-799-1205.

CHARLESTON GREEN PARTY (Charleston/Berkeley/Dorchester)
Next meeting: TBA at Earth Fare on Folly Rd Blvd.
For more information, contact:
Sue Edward, charlestongreens@gmail.com, 843-763-7304
Larry Carter Center 843-926-1750
www.charlestongreenparty.org

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

GREENVILLE COUNTY GREENS (Greenville):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, greggjocoy@riseup.net, 803-984-5414.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a year, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
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Larry Carter Center (2008-2010), charlestongreens@gmail.com

Sue Edward (2008-2010), charlestongreens@gmail.com

Gregg Jocoy (2009-2011), greggjocoy@riseup.net, 803-984-5414.
4 Polaski Court,  Simpsonville, SC 29681

Charles McClendon (2008-2010), dr.charlesmcclendon@gmail.com

Nammu Muhammad (2009-2011), blackvista2010@aol.com
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Scott West (2008-2010), slwest@gmail.com
3 Oakland Avenue, Inman, SC 29349-1542

David Whiteman (2009-2011), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: [vacant]
Media Committee: [vacant]

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(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
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Eugene Platt (elected)
James Island Public Service District Commission

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

Platt case goes to the Supreme Court

2010-01-04T12:04:00.001-05:00

The Charleston Post and Courier is carrying story about Eugene Platt and his appeal to the South Carolina Supreme Court to protect his free speech rights, and the same rights for the South Carolina Green Party.

Platt had sought the Green Party and Working Families Party nomination in spring of 2008. He was nominated by both parties, and Platt's nomination by the Democratic Party in a primary would seem to make his election all the more likely. South Carolina is one of the states which permit fusion voting.

However, when the Democratic Party primary was held, Anne Peterson Hutto won the nomination. The South Carolina Green Party assured Platt that he was their nominee, and the November election was expected to be a three way race.

The Democratic Party, in the form of Charleston County chair George Tempel, sued to keep Platt off the ballot. Platt had signed a pledge that he would not seek write-in votes nor seek nomination by petition should he lose the primary. Platt was represented by the Voting Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union. Despite the fact that Platt had not violated any of the actual terms of the pledge, as he was not seeking nomination by petition nor write-in votes, the court in Charleston ruled in favor of Tempel.

The state supreme court will hear oral arguments this Wednesday in Columbia. Several members of the South Carolina Green Party steering committee will be in attendance.

Letter to the Editor: Platt laments Charleston Council's rejection of Green Plan

2009-12-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Editor
The Post and Courier
Charleston, South Carolina

Greetings:

How unfortunate that, just ten days before Christmas, Charleston City Council found itself lacking sufficient courage to adopt the Charleston Green Plan: Sustainability & Climate Protection for the 21st Century Council's adoption would have been an extraordinary gift not only for their constituents, but also for everyone in the larger community. After all, to paraphrase John Donne's famous sermon, "No city is an island, entire of itself. Any city's shortcomings in sustainability diminishes the others, because all are involved in mankind. Therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

Adoption of the Charleston Green Plan is a rare policy issue that transcends consideration of "liberal versus conservative." Truly, it is one of "responsible versus irresponsible." We pray City Council will act responsibly when it revisits this issue next year.

As articulated in its "Ten Key Values," the Green Party is on the cutting edge of environmental responsibility: "We support a sustainable society which utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation." City Council---as well the State Legislature and Congress---would do well to follow our lead. (See www.gp.org)

Sincerely,
Eugene Platt
Member, Steering Committee
South Carolina Green Party

Link:

Charleston Green Initiative (City of Charleston site)

Link to PDF:

Charleston Green Plan: Sustainability & Climate Protection for the 21st Century

SC Green Party ballot access case: oral arguments scheduled

2009-11-27T20:05:00.001-05:00

Tthe South Carolina Supreme Court has scheduled oral argument in the case of Tempel v. Platt case for 9:30 am on January 6, 2010 in Columbia. The exact location will be announced later, and posted on this website. All interested parties are invited to attend. Representatives of the SC Green Party will certainly be there.

Richard Winger of Ballot Access News recently summarized the issues of the case:

The Green Party nominated Eugene Platt for state legislature on May 3, 2008, at a convention. The next month, Platt was defeated for the Democratic Party nomination for the same seat. South Carolina permits fusion, so Platt had been hoping to be the nominee of both parties in November. Because he lost the Democratic nomination in June, the Green Party nomination was considered void by the state, and Platt was omitted from the November ballot entirely. The state’s brief mostly ignores Platt’s strongest precedent, called California Democratic Party v Jones, the U.S. Supreme Court 2000 decision that said it is unconstitutional for a state to force a party to let outsiders help determine its nominee. Platt argues that since the Democratic Party was permitted to cancel out his Green Party nomination, the South Carolina system (as appled to instances when a minor party nominates first, before a major party nominating event) violates the principles set forth in California Democratic Party v Jones.

This case is also known as "South Carolina Green Party v South Carolina State Election Commission". The names of cases pursued to appeal from state level and on the federal courts are frequently referred to to the names of the litigants.

More: Archive for the ‘South Carolina Green Party v South Carolina State Election Commission’ Category

Greenville Chapter Meeting November 18 at The Open Book

2009-11-17T16:37:00.002-05:00

The Greenville chapter of the SC Green Party is set to meet Wednesday, November 18th from 7 to 8 PM at The Open Book, located at 110 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, S. C. 29607 (map).

All meetings are open to the public. Suggestions for items for the Coordinating Committee agenda can be mailed to the SC Green Party Steering Committee at scgreenpartyinfo@earthlink.net.

SC Green Party Ballot Access Case Moves Ahead

2009-11-17T16:35:00.000-05:00

The state of SC has filed its appellate brief in our ongoing ballot access case. Richard Winger's excellent Ballot Access News has posted the following analysis as well as a link to the 33 page brief.

In 2006, James Island Public Service District Commissioner Eugene Platt, running as a Democrat, came within 60 votes of defeating the GOP incumbent in SC House District 115. In 2008, Mr. Platt secured the Green Party nomination, before being excluded from the ballot by the SC State Election Commission after losing the district Democratic primary. Today, Eugene is once again seeking the District 115 seat, running solely as a Green.

Get involved in Eugene Platt's campaign by visiting http://voteplatt.com/contact.php.
You can donate to Eugene's campaign here: http://voteplatt.com/donate.php

From BallotAccessNews.org:

South Carolina Files Brief in Opposition to Green Party Arguments in Ballot Access Case

November 17th, 2009

On November 16, attorneys for the state of South Carolina filed this brief in the lawsuit South Carolina Green Party v South Carolina State Election Commission, pending in the 4th circuit.

The Green Party nominated Eugene Platt for state legislature on May 3, 2008, at a convention. The next month, Platt was defeated for the Democratic Party nomination for the same seat. South Carolina permits fusion, so Platt had been hoping to be the nominee of both parties in November. Because he lost the Democratic nomination in June, the Green Party nomination was considered void by the state, and Platt was omitted from the November ballot entirely. The state’s brief mostly ignores Platt’s strongest precedent, called California Democratic Party v Jones, the U.S. Supreme Court 2000 decision that said it is unconstitutional for a state to force a party to let outsiders help determine its nominee. Platt argues that since the Democratic Party was permitted to cancel out his Green Party nomination, the South Carolina system (as appled to instances when a minor party nominates first, before a major party nominating event) violates the principles set forth in California Democratic Party v Jones.

The state argues that Platt knew he was jeopardizing his Green Party nomination by running in the Democratic primary, and if he wanted to guarantee his Green Party nomination he should have avoided seeking the Democratic nomination. One wonders, what is the purpose of South Carolina’s fusion law, if not to encourage (rather than discourage) candidates from trying to use it.

The state’s brief also has a factual error on page 23. It says the U.S. Taxpayers Party nominated Pat Buchanan for president in 1996. This is not true. The U.S. Taxpayers Party only held one presidential convention in 1996, in San Diego, in August 1996, and it nominated Howard Phillips for President.

Source:
http://www.ballot-access.org/2009/11/17/south-carolina-files-brief-in-opposition-to-green-party-arguments-in-ballot-access-case/

SC appellee's brief:
http://www.ballot-access.org/2009/026-Brief-of-Appellees.pdf

Chapter and Coordinating Committee meetings in November

2009-11-10T14:22:00.000-05:00

The South Carolina Green Party has no candidates in Tuesday's elections. Most of these elections are city council and school board elections. There are, however, several candidates set to run in 2010.

The Charleston Green Party has their next meeting scheduled Monday, November 2, 7pm at Earth Fare on Folly Road Blvd.

In addition, the next SCGP Coordinating Committee meeting is Saturday, November 14, 1-3pm, at the at the new Black Caucus Community Center, 2523 Read Street, Columbia, SC 29204. All are welcome to attend.

Finally, the Greenville chapter is set to meet Wednesday, November 18th from 7 to 8 PM at The Open Book, located at 110 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, S. C. 29607

All meetings are open to the public. Suggestions for items for the Coordinating Committee agenda can be mailed to the SC Green Party Steering Committee.

Greenline - Special Edition: Post-Election report from Green Party of the United States

2009-11-06T13:10:00.006-05:00

Greens Make a Difference in November 3 Elections

Green Party: GP.org

The Green Party made some big new moves and proved that it has earned the voter's support in Tuesday's local elections.

Greens in California made history again by winning, for the fourth time in American history, a majority on a town council. Pam Hartwell-Herrero finished first of seven candidates to join Lew Treamine and Larry Bragman on the majority-Green Fairfax Town Council. Greens also earned majorities on the Arcata, CA council in the late 90s and in Sebastopol, CA and the village of New Paltz, NY earlier in this decade.

In Minnesota, incumbent Minneapolis City Council Cam Gordon was re-elected, as well as long-time Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board member Annie Young.

Greens on the East Coast showed their skills with perfect election nights. Two candidates ran for city councils in Maryland and both were victorious. Dan Robinson maintained his seat on the Takoma Park, MD council and Christine Nagle won her election to the College Park, MD council. In New Caanan, CT, three Greens ran for Constable and all were elected.

Elsewhere in new England, Kevin Donoghue and David Marshall won re-election to the Portland (ME) City Council. Chuck Turner was re-elected to the Boston City Council.

In New York, in a partisan race, Mary Jo Long was re-elected to the Afton Town Council and Jennifer Dotson was re-elected to the Ithaca Common Council. Lynne Serpe put the Green Party on the map in New York City, winning nearly 25% in her race for New York City Council.

To see more 2009 election results, visit http://www.gp.org/elections/2009-videos/november-results.html. To get a sneak preview of the 2010 Green Party candidates from your area, visit the Green Party's comprehensive election database at http://www.gp.org/elections.shtml.

New On-Line Issue of Green Pages Available

Green Pages, the national newsletter of the Green Party, is releasing new content regularly through our on-line edition.

Check out the Fall 2009 edition here.

SC Greens prepare for demonstration at School of the Assassins

2009-11-02T14:48:00.000-05:00

The "School of the Americas", now re-named the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, is better known to many as the School of the Assassins because many graduates from this training facility based at Fort Benning in Georgia have been involved in military and para-military coups. The most recent such coup was in Honduras.

Members of the South Carolina Green Party will be traveling to Fort Benning on Saturday, November 21st to join Greens and others from across the southeast and the nation to press for the closure of the facility. Others will be there for the full three day protest.

Those interested in joining or supporting this effort are encouraged to contact the steering committee.

Steering Committee needs new member

2009-11-02T14:34:00.003-05:00

The South Carolina Green Party Steering Committee has met monthly for the past several months, both by conference call and in face to face meetings. The Steering Committee is responsible for the growth and day to day operation of the state party. There are currently six members. Two are from the Columbia area, two from the Charleston area, one from the Greenville area, and one from the Spartanburg area.

The Steering Committee needs one more person to fill out it's ranks. The by-laws call for the party to make an effort to establish both racial and gender diversity. The steering committee members also agree that geographic diversity is important. With only one woman on the steering committee it is evident that the committee needs more women involved.

More importantly though, the committee needs active members who can provide leadership.

Membership on the steering committee requires regular participation in email discussions as well as regular attendance at two face to face meetings and one conference call per quarter. Between meeting phone calls between members is common as well. face to face meetings are most often held in Columbia, although other locations can be considered as well.

If you know anyone who is dedicated to the Ten Key Values of the Green Party, and who might be interested in helping guide the South Carolina Green Party for the next several months, please send a message to the steering committee.

SC Green Party, 5 environmental groups file in Duke rate case

2009-10-25T22:26:00.005-04:00

The Environmental Defense Fund, South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Southern Environmental Law Center and Natural Resources Defense Council have filed as intervenors with the South Carolina Public Service Commission (SCPSC) in Duke Energy Carolinas rate hike request. These five environmental organizations join the South Carolina Green Party (SCGP) and the South Carolina Energy Users Committee as Duke's proposed rate hike is considered.

Each of these five environmental groups is represented by the same attorney, J. Blanding Holman, IV of the Southern Environmental Law Center, based in Charleston. The South Carolina Green Party is represented by Rolf Baghdady, and the South Carolina Energy Users Committee is represented by Scott Elliott.

Written testimony must be submitted by November 2nd. Public hearings are scheduled for Greenwood, 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Lakeview Elementary School, 660 Center Street; Greenville, 6:00 P.M. on Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Greenville County Council Chambers, 301 University Ridge, Suite 2400; and in Spartanburg, 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at the Spartanburg County Administration Building, 366 North Church Street, Council Chambers. Green Party members and supporters are encouraged to attend and speak out.

The South Carolina Green Party has not decided what position to take on the application yet. Because these proceedings are going to play a major role in what the Public Service Commission decides, the SCGP plans to evaluate our options very carefully in hopes that we can help the SCPSC come to the best decision for Duke rate payers in the state.

Ralph Nader Speaks in Clinton, SC

2009-10-15T09:51:00.004-04:00

Ralph Nader spoke at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina on October 8, 2009 on environmentalism, civic responsibility and his own work.

Stacy Dyer, writing for the Presbyterian College website, reports:

Nader led off his talk by discussing the importance of being involved in civic pursuits. He pointed out that while everyone in the crowded Belk Auditorium has likely been to a shopping mall, McDonald’s, or Wal-Mart, not many have been to a city or town council meeting.

“We don’t get enough civic experience,” Nader said, “and without enough civic experience, democracy doesn’t work.”

Nader shared his story of how be became interested in automobile safety, which began his career as America’s foremost consumer advocate. He said that when he was in college in the ‘50’s, he knew many people who were either killed or seriously injured in automobile accidents. In his third year at Harvard Law School, he wrote a paper on the subject that included recommendations. The paper later eventually became the 1965 book Unsafe At Any Speed, which led to automobile safety laws and regulations.

Nader, who has also made a career addressing environmental issues, said the best way to define pollution is that it’s a form of violence.

“It’s a silent, cumulative form of violence,” he said. “Whether it’s beryllium, lead, arsenic, sulfurs, whatever. It attacks the health of human beings. It damages the genetic inheritance of the human being. And it contaminates property. It makes air, water, and soil less safe in the biosphere.”

Nader said it is interesting to study what forms of violence people are most concerned about.

“Other forms,” he said, “produce far more deaths, injuries, or disease, even though both are preventable.”

For example, the 9/11 terrorist attacks killed 3100 people. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that this year 58,000 Americans will die from work-related disease and trauma, 65,000 from air pollution, 100,000 from incompetence medical negligence in hospitals, and 45,000 because they can’t afford health insurance to get treatment, according to Nader.

“They get little media attention, compared to a terrorist attack,” he said. “But why, if they’re both preventable? Why, if everyone who dies is innocent?”

In the 2000 Presidential election, Nader received just over 20,279 South Carolina votes as the United Citizens Party candidate. He received 5,520 votes in 2004 and 5,053 SC votes in 2008 running as an independent petition party candidate.

SC Media coverage of Platt 2010 Candidacy

2009-10-14T16:58:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, we reported Eugene Platt's announcement that he would run as a Green for South Carolina State House Seat 115 in 2010.

Now, local Charleston media are picking up Eugene's new campaign. The well-known election law blog Ballot Access News is also reporting the news.

Eugene is the longest serving member of the James Island Public Service District, and was relected in 2008 for another 4 year term. This will be his third run for House Seat 115. For Eugene's campaign website, please see voteplatt.com.

Early News Reports:

Eugene Platt is back in the race for state House District 115, and this time he's wearing a solid shade of Green. By Greg Hambrick for the Charleston City Paper Tue, Oct 13, 2009.

Platt to run again for District 115 seat. Post and Courier. Wednesday, October 14, 2009.

South Carolina Green Who Had Been Barred from 2008 Ballot Will Try Again in 2010. By Richard Winger, Ballot Access News. October 13th, 2009

Eugene Platt Announces 2010 Candidacy for State House Seat 115

2009-10-13T15:52:00.001-04:00

Tuesday Morning, October 13, 2009

Eugene Platt, the only Green serving in an elected position in South Carolina, announced today his candidacy for State House Seat 115. Currently, Platt serves on the James Island Public Service District Commission. He has held that position since 1993 and most recently was reelected in 2008 as the top votegetter among eight candidates.

Platt pledges, if elected, to be one of the strongest voices in the State Legislature for working families. To that end, he would not even wait until the Legislature convened in 2011 to introduce legislation to end South Carolina's status as a so-called "Right to Work" state---he would pre-file such a bill. Platt notes that "Right to Work" states have not fared nearly as well economically as those states which honor workers with fewer restrictions on their rights to form and use unions to ensure fair pay, good working conditions, and health care.

Platt, a product of the public schools of this state---from elementary school through the University of South Carolina---would be a strong supporter of those schools. To that end, he is unequivocally opposed to the use vouchers that use public funds for private school education. He also says State college tuition increases should not exceed the general rate of inflation.

Naturally, as a Green, environmental and social justice issues are among Platt's chief concerns. On numerous occasions he has spoken out against unbridled development. Irresponsible developers do not consider him their friend.

Platt says the criminal justice system must be completely revamped, focusing on the safety of law-abiding citizens. To that end, the State Highway Patrol should be increased by at least 100 new troopers to insure the safety of our highways. At the same time, recognizing that capital punishment compromises our corporate morality and has no place in a civilized society, he would work to end it in South Carolina---and the nation. (The United States is one of the very few democracies that still impose capital punishment, putting it out of step with most of the civilized world.)

State House District includes most of James Island and Folly Beach. Platt, a progressive Green, expects to face both a conservative Republican and a centrist Democrat in the November 2010 election. He says he is encouraged by growing disenchantment about both major parties being expressed by voters not only in House District 115, but all across America. Voters want true altenatives---and they are truly ready to "Live Green, Vote Green." This is reflected in the fact that the Green Party is the fastest growing political party in the United States!

Eugene Platt
Green Candidate for State House Seat 115

For additional information about the candidate and the Green Party, visit these websites:
http://www.voteplatt.com
http://www.gp.org

Summary of September 14, 2009 Steering Committee Meeting

2009-10-13T15:36:00.000-04:00

Summary:
- There is an encouraging increase in party bank balance.
- The Charleston County Green Party is accepted as official and organized local chapter.
- Steering Committee Officers elected: Gregg Jocoy and Sue Edward are Co-Chairs, David Whiteman is re-elected as Treasurer, Scott West is Secretary.
- a Coordinating Committee meeting will be held in Columbia on Second Saturday, November 14 from 1 – 3 PM at the Read Street Community Center.
- 2010 nominating convention planned for Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 10 AM - 6 PM. Location TBD.
- Candidate recruitment is actively ongoing with some encouraging developments.
- The appeal of Eugene Platt's 2008 fusion case to the 4th Circuit will proceed shortly. The case looks good.
- Volunteer attorney working with SC members on challenge to Duke rate increase.
- The next Steering Committee Meeting will be by conference call on Monday 10/19 from 9-10 PM.

Agenda suggestions for the Sept 13th steering committee meeting

2009-09-07T21:06:00.006-04:00

Eugene: Candidate recruitment, ballot access ACLU lawsuit and ACLU/Kevin Gray lawsuit, and his plans, and results of presentation at state AFL-CIO convention.

Sue: Report on Charleston chapter, discussion and acceptance of Charleston chapter application.

David: Treasurer's report, election deadlines info.

Scott: Discussion on progress (text to review, or perhaps a report on a mailing if we can get it together by then) on monthly mailings, update on website and Pay Pal progress report.

Gregg: Report on membership and fundraising, Duke rate hike intervention.

The Steering Committee as a whole will discuss replacing Leslie Minerd, who has resigned her position making the space available to someone else.

Rolf has indicated that he will be at the meeting, and plans to spend some time in the law library after the steering committee meeting. Marianne, and hopefully Joseph and Liz will be there as well. If you can come, please do so, and please bring friends.

There are proposals from a bunch of groups to hold anti-war demonstrations on October 17th, and the Green National Committee is considering endorsing the anti-war demonstrations. You can see the progress of the vote here. This "National Assembly" the Green National Committee is considering joining can be found at their website. The text of the proposal the Green National Committee is voting on is available here.

We should see if we can fit in time for reviewing a possible platform statement from Scott. The South Carolina Green Party is entitled to two representatives on the Green National Committee. In the meantime, the Green National Committee is considering a rule change that would allow the Green National Committee to limit posts to the Votes list to three a day. The Discussion list will apparently be left with as many messages a day as the writer chooses.

Steering Committee Meeting, September 13th, 12:00-2:00

2009-09-07T13:34:00.003-04:00

The Steering Committee of the South Carolina Green Party will be meeting in Columbia on Sunday, September 13th, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. We will be meeting at the new Black Caucus Community Center, 2523 Read Street, Columbia, SC 29204.

All members, prospective members, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend. We will be discussing our plans to build the party and to recruit candidates for 2010.

The Community Center is near the corner of Read Street and Two Notch Road. From the State House, at the corner of Gervais and Assembly, go east on Gervais, past Bull Street and Harden Street, and then turn left on Millwood Avenue (following the signs for Highway 1). Go north 8/10 of a mile on Millwood (it turns into Two Notch Road as you pass Forest Drive), and then turn left onto Read Street. Go west on Read Street for a short while, past Harper Street, and 2523 will be on your right.

Duke postpones nuke plant

2009-09-04T12:06:00.001-04:00

This story from Charlotte Business Journal explains that Duke is postponing plans to build a new nuclear power plant in Gaffney. This plant was first proposed back in the 70s or 80s, and shelved. Now it may be ready to be shelved again.

This follows close on the heals of Santee Cooper's decision to scuttle plans for a new coal burner near Florence.

Both these developments make our case against Duke's rate increase here in South Carolina all the stronger.

Please consider joining the Green Party as a member if you have not already done so by sending $25 dues to:

SCGP
P.O. Box 5341
Columbia, SC 29250

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Duke Energy's public version of its "Integrated Resource Pan and 2009 REPS Compliance Plan" was filed on Sept. 1, along with a confidential version....

http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2009/09/07/story4.html?b=1252296000%5E2042141

Friday, September 4, 2009

Duke Energy eyes delay for Lee nuclear project [AP1000]

Charlotte Business Journal - by John Downey Senior staff writer

Duke Energy Carolinas is likely to delay construction of its proposed Lee Nuclear Station for up to three years.

Duke’s latest long-term plan, filed this week with N.C. regulators, says the startup date for generating power at the Gaffney, S.C., plant could be put off to 2021.

The delay is particularly likely if Duke can’t find a construction partner for the $11 billion plant. The utility is moving its target date as concerns mount regarding the project’s cost. Also, demand for power appears to be growing more slowly than in recent years.

Duke’s updated plans also call for delays in building the utility’s proposed Buck Steam Station and Dan River combined-cycle gas plants.

Janice Hager, head of Duke’s resource planning, says it appears that demand for electricity — not adjusted for the weather — has been flat the last four years.

Duke’s new projections call for demand growth to return to an average 1.5% per year in the long term. But the company isn’t projecting a spurt in demand once the recession ends.

That makes room for the company to delay construction of some plants that Duke has long been planning.

The biggest change involves Lee, though Hager cautions the new construction schedule isn’t set in stone.

When Duke initially proposed the plant, it aimed to open it in 2016. The company acknowledged from the outset that the startup date wasn’t firm. Over time, the targeted opening date slipped to 2018. And Duke’s new plan says 2021 might be the best target date for Lee to begin generating electricity.

Tom Clements of S.C. Friends of the Earth says Duke’s delay fits a pattern.

Utilities are coming to grips with the enormous costs of nuclear plants and slowing growth in demand for electricity, he says. Duke appears to have missed out on federal loan guarantees, and the capital markets remain skeptical of nuclear projects, he adds. “I don’t see that they have the money together yet. I think Duke has dropped back into a wait-and-see attitude to watch what the first companies in do.”

But Duke says the Lee plant is still key to its plans.

Hager says the delay will give the company additional time to seek state legislation for recovering its costs for nuclear plant construction. The company has said for several weeks that it couldn’t consider going forward with a new nuclear facility in the Carolinas unless North Carolina adopts a law that, like South Carolina’s, streamlines the process for recovering its costs.

Duke may also be able to use the time to find a construction partner for the Lee plant. Hager says having a partner to share the cost would make it possible for Duke to start construction earlier, because that would remove some of the financial risk for the company.

Duke says it will continue to need additional power plants, even though growth in the demand for electricity has slowed. The company expects to resume its traditional growth rate after the recession ends. Energy-saving initiatives such as its Save-A-Watt program won’t reduce demand enough to avoid plant construction, Duke says.

“Even if the company fully realizes its goals for (energy conservation and efficiency), the resource need grows to approximately 5,500 megawatts by 2029,” its new planning report states.

So Duke plans finish the 825-megawatt expansion of its Cliffside coal plant on the border of Cleveland and Rutherford counties. And it will build the Buck gas plant in Rowan County and the Dan River gas facility in Rockingham County.

But it will slow down in pursuing those projects.

It’s the second delay in as many years for the Buck and Dan River plants. The Buck facility was originally scheduled to start operation in two phases. The first phase was to open in 2010 and the second in 2011. Last year, Duke postponed construction of each phase for a single year. Now the company proposes building the whole plant at once and starting production in early 2012.

Meanwhile, the startup of Dan River has been postponed to late 2012. And Hager says it could be pushed to 2013.

Hager notes Duke is dealing with several uncertainties in its new long-range plan. Key among those is how much energy Save-A-Watt will actually conserve and how quickly the demand for power will rise after the recession.

A quick rebound in demand for electricity has been common following U.S. recessions. But Richard Stevie, who handles the forecasting for Duke’s planning process, says the company has intentionally been more conservative with its latest forecast.

jdowney@bizjournals.com

South Carolina’s energy future being re-written, Greens will participate

2009-08-30T11:54:00.001-04:00

At the recent Green Party national convention the delegates decided that energy would be part of our focus over the next year. This has been an important decision for us here in South Carolina.

The state's electric suppliers have proposed building four new nuclear power plants. Two are proposed near Jenkinsville, and two near Gaffney.

In addition, utilities have proposed a coal burning power plant near Florence. Recently Santee Cooper, the utility, decided to cancel their plans to build this coal burner.

Duke Energy has filed a rate increase request with the South Carolina Public Service Commission to pay for new nuclear power plants, the Cliffside Coal power plant in Rutherford County, NC, and to provide higher returns to their stockholders, according to their statements to the press.

The South Carolina Green Party state convention authorized the steering committee to file an intervention with the Public Service Commission against the Duke proposal. The deadline to file as an interveenor is in September, and the groundwork to do so is being lain right now. A press release and the official filing will likely follow closely on the heals of the September 13th steering committee meeting in Columbia. Green Party members as well as the general public are invited to attend this meeting, from noon to 2 PM at The Meeting Place, located at 2523 Read Street, close to Two Notch Road.

In our intervention we will likely argue that Duke Energy must be denied their rate increase at least until they develop and implement programs to reduce demand for electricity, thereby limiting demand for new generation.

Minutes from the 2008 SC Green Party Convention

2009-08-18T21:47:00.000-04:00

The South Carolina Green Party held its Annual Convention on August 8, 2009 at the Black Caucus Community Center, 2523 Read Street, Columbia, SC.

The meeting was pleasant and productive. There is a definite uptick in activity within the party and the attendees were optimistic going into 2010.

1. David Whiteman, Gregg Jocoy and Nammu Muhammad were reelected to the Steering Committee for terms running 2009 - 2011.

2. Sue Edward was nominated to the Steering Committee by the Convention to be appointed at the next Steering Committee meeting.

3. The Convention endorsed filing an objection with the Public Service Commisstion on behalf of the SCGP against Duke Power's request for a 9% rate increase. The increase is likely intended to in part fund new coal and nuclear power plants, which would create electricity for 'export' out of South Carolina. Gregg and Scott were to coordinate on the language of the filing. Rolf Baghdady, an attorney, is to file the paperwork.

4. Eugene Platt recommitted to candidate recruitment.

5. Gregg Jocoy entreated all to pledge monthly donations to the SCGP account to build up a fighting fund. Scott West obtained paperwork from David Whiteman which will enable a PayPal account for the website.
6. Sue Edward and Larry Carter Center announced the application of the Charleston Green Party to become a local affiliate of the SC Green Party.

7. Gregg will take steps to constitue a Greenville local; Scott, a Spartanburg local. Gregg will be in contact with York Green, Liz Smith-Anderson regarding reactivating local there.

8. Scott West produced a print copy of the SCGP Bulletin, produced an flyer on health care in SC. These will be uploaded to the SCGP website for easy distribution. Scott intends to produce a 4-page Bulletin on a monthly basis that will be mailed to core supporters, and expanded as convenient. Flyers can now be produced for tabling and door to door work in local and state campaigns.

9. Eugene almost-officially announced that he would be a candidate for State House District 115.

10. Several prospective members for the Steering Committee were discussed at length. Gregg mentioned three people who may be interested. Eugene urged that Sue Edward be seated on the steering committee as soon as possible. Particular interest was placed in bringing gender equality to the Steering Committee.

11. Some discussion of 2010 candidacies, but nothing concrete: Scott and Gregg intend to run for Soil and Water Commission in Spartanburg and Greenville Counties, respectively.

12. Nammu Muhammed will definitely run for Mayor of Columbia. The election will be held in April 2010. Attendees briefly discussed Nammu's past electoral work and community organizing in the Waverly neighborhood. Nammu will be the only candidate in the election discussing gentrification.

Attendees: Rolf Baghdady, John Castillo, Larry Carter Center, Karen Clarke, Sue Edward, Gregg Jocoy, Nammu Muhammed, Eugene Platt, C. Faye Walters, Scott West, and David Whiteman.

Minutes compiled by Scott West.

Bulletin 7.2: Join us at the State Convention on August 8th!

2009-08-03T20:11:00.003-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 7 No. 2 – August 1, 2009
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 8th
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(4) MAKE YOUR 2009 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

*****************************
(1) JOIN US AT THE ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 8th *****************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, August 8th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. We will be meeting at the new Black Caucus Community Center, 2523 Read Street, Columbia, SC 29204.

The community center is near the corner of Read Street and Two Notch Road. From the State House, at the corner of Gervais and Assembly, go east on Gervais, past Bull Street and Harden Street, and then turn left on Millwood Avenue (following the signs for Highway 1). Go north 8/10 of a mile on Millwood (it turns into Two Notch Road as you pass Forest Drive), and then turn left onto Read Street. Go west on Read Street for a short while, past Harper Street, and 2523 will be on your right.

Everyone is encouraged to attend!

*****************************
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 8th
*****************************

Registration will begin at 1:45. The main items on the agenda are the elections for the Steering Committee and a discussion of SCGP goals for 2009-2010.

a. Report from Steering Committee on 2008-2009

b. Election of Steering Committee members

c. Reports from Locals

d. Setting SCGP Goals for 2009-10

e. Organizing for action at state and local levels

f. Adjournment

*****************************
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
*****************************

Nominations are now closed for the Steering Committee elections. Committee members will be elected by current members attending the State Convention. Three people have accepted nominations to be on the ballot:

Gregg Jocoy:

My goal for the South Carolina Green Party would be to identify two things we can do effectively over the next six months, and work to make those two projects a success. As an example, I can imagine the South Carolina Green Party working hand in hand with Greens from other states, especially Georgia, to make the Green Party presence at the protest at the School of the America's at Fort Benning, GA noticeable to all there. Another could be to have a large presence at the Pride event in the fall in Columbia.

Rather than goals like "Growing our membership" or "Establishing new chapters", these goals can be met with our current small numbers. If we are seen as successful by our own membership and folks at these events we should have a positive roll going, leading to more successes over the following six months.

We should consider establishing other goals as well, such as reporting, holding regular meetings, membership targets, and improved communications, but all these should follow success in the first two efforts. We must build confidence for larger targets by setting and hitting goals that make us stretch, but not to the point where the system breaks down.

Most of you know that I was involved in helping secure the cooperation of the Natural Law Party in transferring their ballot line to us. I have written, in cooperation with my fellow York County Greens, a series of columns covering everything from a local hospital debate to the war on Iraq, for almost two years. Printed in YC Magazine, several pieces will be available for reading at the state convention, and are also online now at the York County Greens website,
www.YorkGreens.com

In addition I write one of the most widely read...very sad to say, blogs on the Internet that deals with Green Party business. I say largest because, while my hits are very low, so are the hits for almost any Green Party blog at this point. I'm averaging about a dozen a day at this point. The blog can be read at
www.gregg-jocoy.blogspot.com.

Nammu Muhammad:

In 2001, I became very interested in community issues. As the result of my interests and concerns, I formed "The Association" which is primarily responsible for keeping the community informed about relevant issues that may impact them. An example of my initiatives: I was instrumental with helping a person save her home which was being taken from her illegally. I worked with youth in my neighborhood to organize several car washes which provided them financial assistance toward the purchase of school clothes and spending change for themselves. Some of the children were not accustomed to receiving an allowance from their parents or primary caretakers, so, hopefully, you can imagine how happy they were to have some pocket change. I served as Antonio Williams' Campaign Manager for his District II election bid for City Council, and I worked very diligently for Ms. Efia Nwangaza during her campaign for governor. Most recently, I ran as a Green Party candidate for the Richland County Council in 2006.

David Whiteman

I have been an active member of the SC Green Party since its founding, and I currently serve as Secretary-Treasurer on the Steering Committee. I teach political science at USC and am the director of USC's Center for Sustainable Futures, which coordinates the university's environmental education activities.

My main activities for the Green Party this past year have been to file our quarterly paperwork with the State Ethics Commission, file our reports with the State Elections Commission and County Election Commissions, maintain our bank accounts, write and send out newsletters, maintain our database, and serve as a Delegate to the Green National Committee.

I would like to serve another term in order to help the SCGP reach more of its potential for public education and campaigning. We've been able to attract interesting candidates, but we need more attention to helping those candidates become more visible in the electoral process.

*****************************
(4) MAKE YOUR 2009 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
*****************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2009, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

*****************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*****************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, reply to this email (if you're on our distribution list) or contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

CHARLESTON GREEN PARTY (Charleston/Berkeley/Dorchester)
Next meeting: 7pm first Monday of each month at Earth Fare on Folly Rd Blvd.
For more information, contact:
Sue Edward, charlestongreens@gmail.com, 843-763-7304
Larry Carter Center 843-926-1750
www.charlestongreenparty.org

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

GREENVILLE COUNTY GREENS (Greenville):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

*****************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
*****************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*****************************
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*****************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by visiting:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SC-GreenParty_Forum/

*****************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*****************************

Gregg Jocoy (2007-2009), greggjocoy@riseup.net
4 Polaski Court,  Simpsonville, SC 29681

Leslie Minerd (2008-2010), hipwazee@gmail.com

2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2007-2009), blackvista2008@aol.com
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Eugene Platt (2008-2010),
734 Gilmore Court, James Island, SC 29412

Scott West (2008-2010) slwest@gmail.com
3 Oakland Avenue, Inman, SC 29349-1542

David Whiteman (2007-2009), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

[vacant] (2008-2010)

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: Jermaine Simmons
Media Committee: [vacant]

*****************************
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*****************************

Eugene Platt (elected)
James Island Public Service District Commission

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

*****************************
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*****************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

Bulletin 7.1: Attend the State Convention on August 8th!

2009-07-10T03:03:00.004-04:00

TAttend the State Convention on August 8th!

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 7 No. 1 – July 9, 2009
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 8th
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(3) MAKE YOUR 2009 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 8th **********************************************************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, August 8th. The meeting is tentatively set for 2523 Read Street--we'll confirm the location and time in the next few weeks. Everyone is encouraged to attend!

**********************************************************************
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now open for election to the Steering Committee. Nominations must be received no later than July 25th (two weeks before the State Convention). The terms of three Steering Committee members are ending (Gregg Jocoy, David Whiteman, and Nammu Muhammad ), plus we have one vacancy for a 2008-2010 term.

Nominations may be emailed (just reply to this email if you're on our distribution list or send an email to davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com) or mailed (SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC 29250).

In order to be eligible to be on the ballot, anyone nominated must certify by July 25th that they (a) are interested in being on the ballot, (b) are a member of the Party, and (c) do not occupy a leadership position in any other political party. All nominees should also submit a brief personal statement for inclusion in the SCGP Bulletin and the State Convention agenda packet.

After nominations are closed on July 25th, the Steering Committee will provide a final list of nominees.

**********************************************************************
(3) MAKE YOUR 2009 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2009, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, reply to this email (if you're on our distribution list) or contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

CHARLESTON GREEN PARTY (Charleston/Berkeley/Dorchester)
Next meeting: 7pm first Monday of each month at Earth Fare on Folly Rd Blvd.
For more information, contact:
Sue Edward, charlestongreens@gmail.com, 843-763-7304
Larry Carter Center 843-926-1750
www.charlestongreenparty.org

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

GREENVILLE COUNTY GREENS (Greenville):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Gregg Jocoy (2007-2009), greggjocoy@riseup.net
(h) 803-547-2112,
4 Polaski Court,  Simpsonville, SC 29681

Leslie Minerd (2008-2010), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2007-2009), blackvista2008@aol.com
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Eugene Platt (2008-2010),
(h) 843-795-9442
734 Gilmore Court, James Island, SC 29412

Scott West (2008-2010)
3 Oakland Avenue, Inman, SC 29349-1542

David Whiteman (2007-2009), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

[vacant] (2008-2010)

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: Jermaine Simmons
Media Committee: [vacant]

*********************************************
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Eugene Platt (elected)
James Island Public Service District Commission

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

*********************************************
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

Charleston Sanitation Workers Organize for Union

2009-07-07T12:47:00.004-04:00

Since April of this year sanitation workers in Charleston have been circulating a petition in favor of union recognition. An excellent article by Kerry Taylor of the Institute for Southern Studies has just been posted here. While the resistance of SC governments to unionization can't be underestimated, the Charleston sanitation workers have the justification and the motivation to exercise their legal rights. Kerry says in part:

Workers have complained of abusive supervisors, an ambiguous system of promotions that pits workers against one another, and treacherous working conditions.

One driver was blamed for an incident in which a falling tree branch pinned her in the cab and seriously injured her neck and shoulders. She was rushed back to work, as was a collector whose eyes were burned by chemicals that shot from a paint can as it was being compacted.

Until recently the sanitation workers had hoped to resolve these grievances through discussions with their supervisors. The discussions have provided a few token concessions such as new rain jackets, but little actual relief.

The workers have now concluded that establishing an employees' organization with democratic rights to negotiate with the city is the only way to win some measure of equality and fairness.

"If you're a public servant you deserve dignity, respect, and acknowledgment that you're doing a service for the community," said Richard Polite, a 12-year sanitation department veteran, who adds that the workers' demands are not primarily economic but center on basic human rights.

- "Charleston Sanitation Workers Fight for Union Recognition",
By Kerry Taylor, Labor Notes
Posted July 7, 2009 9:56 AM

The sanitation workers are organizing with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 1199B. Charleston Peace is another local organization involved in getting the union off the ground and increasing public awareness of the struggle.

Charleston residents are urged to sign an online petition here: http://www.petitiononline.com/loc1199b/petition.html.

Charleston Peace hosts more information on the sanitation workers here:

Charleston's Dirty Little Secret, from the Charleston sanitation workers organizing brochure.
Sanitation Workers Campaign Building Momentum, information on the street level petition drive conducted in May.

Charleston Greens adopts a road in Maryville

2009-07-06T17:01:00.007-04:00

Charleston's Green Party is now volunteering for regular litter pickups in Charleston's Maryville neighborhood.

The Charleston Green Party is proud to have adopted 5th Avenue and adjoining streets in Maryville/Ashleyville as part of the Adopt a Highway project. Unlike most Adopt a Highway routes, these streets are residential. This means we will have the opportunity to chat with residents who may be in their yards or on their porches as we work on their street. I think this will make our work even more rewarding.

The first pickup went off on May 30th. The next scheduled pickup is in September. The Charleston Greens will be letting us know the exact date via their website and facebook page.

Platt Elected Vice-Chairman of James Island Public Service District Commission

2009-06-29T20:52:00.000-04:00

Eugene Platt was elected Vice-Chairman at the Monday, June 22, 2009 meeting of the James Island Public Service District Commission. Mr. Platt has served on the Commission since 1993 and won reelection to another four year term in November 2008. The vice-chairmanship and commissioner positions are nonpartisan.

South Carolina Public Service Commissions act under state law to "provide services for fire protection, wastewater collection services, solid waste collection services, street signs and lighting "in the most cost effective manner." The James Island Commission serves 22,000 residents in the enviromentally sensitive coastal region, just outside Charleston, SC.

Mr. Platt joined the South Carolina Green Party in the Spring of 2008 and in June of 2009 became a member of the party's statewide Steering Committee.

"Eugene Platt, Bowed But Unbroken". By Will Moredock. Charleston City Paper. March 31, 2009.
The James Island Public Service District Commission website

South Carolina Green Party elects new Steering Committee Members

2009-06-29T19:22:00.003-04:00

A quorum of the South Carolina Green Party Steering Committee met in Columbia on Sunday, June 21, 2009 and elected Eugene Platt of James Island and Scott West of Inman to the Committee. Present and voting were Gregg Jocoy of Greenville, Namu Mohamed of Columbia, and Dr. Robert Whiteman, also of Columbia. Mr. Platt and West fill two vacancies on the Committee. Both nominees spoke briefly before unanimous vote.
Eugene Platt is an elected member of the James Island Public Service District Commission. He has served on the commission for number of years before joining the Green Party. He was reelected for a four-year term in November 2008. In 2006, Mr. Platt came within 40 votes of defeating the the incumbent to SC House District 115. In 2008, he sought both the Democratic and Green nominations for the same seat, but was prevented from running as a Green by the SC Electoral Commission.
Scott West is a newspaper production worker in Spartanburg. A native of Spartanburg, past resident of Clinton and a College of Charleston graduate, Mr. West has a longstanding interest in independent politics and the history of South Carolina.
Other items on the agenda included a change in candidate nomination proceedure, a Columbia community meeting space, and the Statewide Membership Meeting. It was agreed to move forward with a proposal by Mr. Platt to alter the nomination of candidates from language of consensus to allow for a 50%+1 nomination endorsement if consensus should fail.
Mr. Mohamed spoke concerning the Columbia community activists working against gentrification in the downtown 1000 Acre Development plan. Community members collaborating on a storefront space to facilitate organizing and build community spirit.
The Statewide Membership Meeting was scheduled for August 8. The location was to be either a meeting room in the Richland County Library, or the community space, pending its completion.

More:

Moves in SC government toward restricting political access

2009-05-16T15:34:00.006-04:00

Two restrictive campaign bills are before the South Carolina State Legislature. There is insufficient time for the bills to pass this year, but they will still be on the agenda when the session resumes for 2010.

H. 3746 would complicate independent campaign by prohibiting primary voters from signing candidacy petitions.

H. 3067 would ban political fusion. Last year, the state electoral commission threw Green Party nominee Eugene Platt off the November ballot for House District 115 because he was defeated in the Democratic Party primary. The state has given major parties a virtual veto over ambitious cross-party campaigns. H. 3067 would prohibit fusion outright.

The South Carolina State Election Commission has also moved to restrict the ability of smaller parties to nominate by convention. According to a recent article on Ballot Access News, the Commission now requires all candidates to submit declarations of candidacy in the early spring. In the previous years, this was only applied to candidates entering a primary. Since only smaller parties nominate by convention, the change seems intended to make challenges to unpopular major party primary winners more difficult.

Although the anti-fusion bill has 11 sponsors, versus the restrictive petition bill's lone sponsor, the lack of movement may be a hopeful sign. There is no groundswell of public support for limiting campaigns. The politicians' and Election Commission's tendency toward restricting free elections points out the necessity of complete transparency in government and grassroots activity to open up the political process.

Eugene Platt, Charleston (SC) Greens fight Interstate expansion

2009-05-09T10:39:00.007-04:00

In a letter published in the Charleston Post and Courier, Green Party spokesperson Eugene Platt called for an end to plans to extend Interstate 526 onto Johns and James Islands.

Platt, an elected member of the James Island Public Service District Commission, pointed to a resolution against the proposed extension passed unanimously by the Town of James Island Council on April 7 as evidence that the communities most impacted by this proposed road are united in their opposition to the project. The complete text of his letter can be read below.

April 20, 2009

By Eugene Platt
Reprinted from the Post and Courier

The Town of James Island Council on April 7 voted unanimously to oppose the extension of I-526. In doing so, it aligned itself with the James Island Public Service District Commission, which on several previous occasions had taken similar positions. Thus, both governmental bodies composed exclusively of, and elected by, residents of James Island have made clear the majority sentiment of our community.

All the arguments for and against the extension of I-526 have been well publicized. There is no need to repeat them here. Let it suffice to say, if the American tradition of representative democracy is honored in this instance, then the April 7 vote should eventually prove to be a watershed event, a turning point in a long, arduous, often frustrating struggle to preserve what precious little is left of our heritage.

One of the 10 key values the Green Party endorses is the concept of “grassroots democracy.” (See gp.org.) Accordingly, we salute both the James Island Town Council and Public Service District Commission, as well as all the citizens who made their preferences, both pro and con, known to their elected representatives. The people have spoken; long live the people.

EUGENE PLATT
Spokesman
Charleston Green Party
Member, James Island PSD
Gilmore Court
Charleston

Public opposition to the plan has been growing. In meetings last Fall, Josh Martin, the Coastal Conservation League's land use director, noted that:

"All 526 is doing is just shifting and moving traffic around. It's not untangling the knots," says Martin. "Places like Seattle, Chattanooga, and Boston are tearing these structures down. Do we want to be the last municipality to implement 1970s infrastructure? Why not create places versus destroying places? That's what all these massive infrastructure projects are — they destroy places and rip communities apart."

The SCDOT has proposed 21 different expansion options for I526, including the option of making no change. One alternate proposal comes from the Coastal Conservation League. Their "New Way To Work", which would not extend the highway, and instead attempt to build decentralized transportation patterns, lessening the burden on main roads. Several local organizations, including the Wesley United Methodist Church, Johns Island Preservation Coalition, Coastal Conservation League, Johns Island Rural Transportation Alliance, and the Committee on Better Racial Assurance (COBRA) have come together to create Concerned Citizens of the Sea Islands, which sponsors a website: no526.com.

With the vote against sprawl by the Town of James Island Council and the continuing support of elected officials like Platt, there may be green shoots of grassroots democracy in Charleston County.

Adapted from a post to Green Party Watch: http://www.greenpartywatch.org/2009/05/06/eugene-platt-charleston-sc-greens-fight-interstate-expansion/

----

Links:
*Eugene Platt's website
*http://www.no526.com/
*The Coastal Conservation League's "A New Way To Work" Plan
*"James Island Council opposes I-526 Project". Post & Courier, April 8, 2009.
*Green Party of the US

Green Party news website

2008-10-01T17:31:00.003-04:00

The Green Party now has a new website focused on Green Party news and views. The site, Green Party Watch, can be found by clicking on this banner:

Greenline Interviews Eugene Platt

2008-07-01T22:40:00.000-04:00

GreenLine Interview with Eugene Platt - First Elected Green in South Carolina

GL: Congratulations on being the first Green elected official in South Carolina. As a former Democrat, what attracted you to the Green Party?

EP: I have been leaning toward the Green Party for a while now. My son, Paul became very involved with the party when he moved to San Francisco about 10 years ago. He's been sharing the Green philosophy with me ever since, and he was recently nominated for a seat on the council. Paul has been an inspiration to me to join the Green's, but it has also been a natural progression in my own political career. When I lost the Democratic Primary in South Carolina earlier this year, it was a sort of blessing in disguise. This event opened the door for me to make the switch. I had always thought of myself as a "Green Democrat," but now I think of myself as a "Pure Green." I found that my personal political philosophy is more in tune with the Green Party's philosophy, and I feel that the Green Party is where I need to be.

GL: What issues are you currently working on?

EP: Last Thursday I made my first official appearance as the Low Country Coordinator of the Green Party of South Carolina. The event was a public hearing in Johns Island, S.C. about the plan to build a toll road across the island where workers often travel to their jobs on affluent Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. However, this toll road would be disastrous for Johns Island residents because it would encourage development and separate communities. Johns Island has been able to retain its rural character, which is distinctive of few remaining small southern towns. But, this rural flavor would be destroyed by a toll road being financed by those who could least afford it.

GL: What excites you most about this next political phase in your life?

EP: I am encouraged because there seems to be an awakening to the merit of Green Party values in this country. This shift in ideals is happening nationwide, and it is particularly apparent in the move toward environmental values which the Green's have always supported. I give a lot of credit to former Vice President Al Gore for his well-recognized work making people aware of global warming's impact, and I think we will continue to see a shift in consciousness. It can be difficult to be an idealist in our society; in fact I often imagine the song, "The Impossible Dream," would be a fitting theme song for the Green Party as we continue to move toward the values we believe in. But, we can have plenty of hope, and I am the quintessential example of how one's values can lean further to the "left," or to a more socially just ideal. I am 69 years old, and I am still leaning!

More information, as well as some poetry by Mr. Platt, can be found at www.voteplatt.com.

SC Greens on National Committees

2008-06-24T10:26:00.003-04:00

The South Carolina Green Party is entitled to seat two members on almost all national committees, but as our numbers are not that big, we have only a few members serving at the national level.

Bill Bobo serves on the Eco Action Committee.
David Whiteman serves on the Green National Committee.
Jermaine Simmons serves on the International Committee.

If you have an interest in serving on a national committee, please write the steering committee. We can be reached at SC-greenparty_steeringcom@yahoogroups.com

South Carolina Greens in Office

2008-06-16T22:56:00.002-04:00

Since he was first elected to the James Island Public Service District in 1993, Eugene Platt has worked to assure a high level of service for the PSD's constituents and fought to save that community from excessive development by short-sighted, often greedy developers.

Eugene joined the Green Party earlier in 2008 because he sees in the Green Party the sort of respect for the environment and a commitment to planning and vision for a future we want to leave future generations.

Eugene joins the ranks for the hundreds of elected Greens who serve their voters in roles much like Eugene does. Focused more on doing things for the people he was elected to serve than on advancing their careers, public servants like Eugene, Lee Jane and Preston below show all Greens the value of putting people first.

In addition to our sole elected Green, party members serve in South Carolina in these appointed positions:

Preston Holston
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

The South Carolina Green Party is proud to be associated with each of these public officials.

SC Green endorsed candidates on the ballot Tuesday

2008-06-08T18:56:00.003-04:00

South Carolina is one of several states which permit fusion. Fusion means that a candidate appears on the ballot as the nominee of more than one party and wins the accumulated vote of all ballot lines.

Eugene Platt, a candidate in Tuesday's Democratic primary, is one such candidate. In his case, if he secures the Democratic nomination in his race for State House seat 115, he will appear as the nominee of both the democratic and Green Parties.

Platt secured the Green Party nomination at the state convention held in Columbia on May 3rd, and the Green Party encourages those voting in the Democratic Party primary on Tuesday to vote Platt.

Platt also has a Face Book webpage, and he'd love to have you sign up if you too have a page there.

Platt's campaign manager, his son Paul, is a Green from San Francisco, and as he pointed out in a message to the state mailing list, Platt's campaign has helped put the Green Party in Charleston on the map by buying advertisements in his district (Charleston) media pointing out his nomination by the Greens and the Working Families Party as a sign to Democrats that the time to support real change is now.

Please contact the Platt campaign if you can help on election day. He can be reached by calling 843-795-9442.

Green Party video on CurrentTV

2008-06-03T18:54:00.000-04:00

The video was made by Little Tree Media, and is showing on TV on these channels:

You can watch Current TV online or enjoy it from the comfort of your couch:

directv - channel 366
dish network - channel 196
comcast - channel 107
at&t u-verse - channel 189
time warner -check listings

South Carolina Greens to Bush & Co: We Object!

2008-05-27T14:23:00.003-04:00

Join your fellow Greens at Furman 5/31/2008.

The South Carolina Green Party and the York County (SC) Greens are co-sponsoring a protest and demonstration at Furman University on May 31st as President Bush delivers a speech to the students and faculty of that university. The protest is also co-sponsored by The Greenville Anti-War Society, the South Carolina Progressive Network, the Carolina Peace Resource Center, and Code Pink. In addition, the event is sponsored by Operation Democracy, part of MoveOn.org, Aiken Peace, No More Victims, the Freedom Group and finally, Veterans for Peace.

To join in, click the link above and look for your fellow Greens once you get there, or drop us a note in advance at scgreenpartyinfo@earthlink.net.

Bulletin 6.1: Attend the State Convention on May 3rd!

2008-04-17T01:51:00.001-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 6 No. 1 – April 16, 2008
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON MAY 3rd
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(3) MAKE YOUR 2008 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON MAY 3rd **********************************************************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, May 3rd, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. We will be meeting at the Richland County Public Library (Bank of America Room), 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Registration will begin at 1:45 p.m. We will follow our usual agenda, beginning with elections for the Steering Committee, then nominations for federal and statewide offices, and then elections for delegates to the national Green Party convention.

Everyone is encouraged to attend! Official delegates to the state convention have been chosen through precinct meetings and county conventions leading up to the state convention, following the timetable set up in the bylaws; however, all SC Green Party members are encouraged to participate in our planning for the upcoming election cycle.

The Richland County Public Library is at the corner of Hampton and Assembly. From the west side of the State House, go north on Assembly Street for three blocks. The library will be on your left.

**********************************************************************
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now open for election to the Steering Committee. Nominations must be received no later than April 19th (two weeks before the State Convention). The terms of four Steering Committee members are ending (Bill Bobo, Leslie Minerd, Bryan Smith, and Antonio Williams), so four positions will be open.

Nominations may be emailed (just reply to this email or to davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com) or mailed (SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC 29250).

In order to be eligible to be on the ballot, anyone nominated must certify by April 19th that they (a) are interested in being on the ballot, (b) are a member of the Party, and (c) do not occupy a leadership position in any other political party. All nominees should also submit a brief personal statement for inclusion in the SCGP Bulletin and the State Convention agenda packet.

After nominations are closed on April 19th, the Steering Committee will provide a final list of nominees.

**********************************************************************
(3) MAKE YOUR 2008 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2008, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo (2006-2008), newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Gregg Jocoy (2007-2009), greggjocoy@riseup.net
(h) 803-547-2112,
203 Pond View Lane, Fort Mill, SC 29715

Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2007-2009), blackvista2008@aol.com
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Bryan Smith (2006-2008), bryanspospup@yahoo.com
(h) 803-547-4884, (w) 704-333-6678
204 Grier St, Fort Mill, SC 29715

David Whiteman (2007-2009), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams (2006-2008)
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Elaine Mangum (delegate)
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: Jermaine Simmons
Media Committee: [vacant]

*********************************************
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

*********************************************
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

Bulletin 5.4: Convention Results and SC Pride events

2007-09-16T01:09:00.000-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 5, No. 4 – September 15, 2007
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) JOIN GREENS AT THE SC PRIDE PARADE ON SEPTEMBER 22nd
(2) MINUTES FROM THE STATE CONVENTION
(3) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) JOIN GREENS AT THE SC PRIDE PARADE ON SEPTEMBER 22nd **********************************************************************

Greens will be participating in the SC Pride Parade on September 22nd. The parade will assemble at 11:00 at Finlay Park in Columbia. After the parade, stop by our table, which will be in Finlay Park from 12:00 to 6:00 (http://www.scpride.org/parade.htm).

**********************************************************************
(2) MINUTES FROM THE STATE CONVENTION **********************************************************************

The State Convention was held on August 25th at the Richland County Public Library in Columbia.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

The Convention was called to order at 1:10 p.m.

REORGANIZING CONVENTION

Report from Steering Committee on 2006-2007. David Whiteman reported on the 2006 election campaigns and other recent activities. The Party has $260 in the bank.

Proposed Bylaw Amendment. Members considered a proposed bylaw amendment to increase the number of Steering Committee members from seven to nine. By consensus, the convention decided not to change the size of the Steering Committee.

Election of Steering Committee Members. Four members were nominated for the Steering Committee, and all were elected. Three were elected to a two-year term (2007-2009): Gregg Jocoy, Nammu Muhammad, and David Whiteman. One was elected to serve the final year of an open two-year term (2006-2008): Bryan Smith.

PLANNING CONVENTION

We discussed upcoming opportunities for outreach. The Progressive Black Caucus is planning an event soon. We decided to allocate $100 for participating in the SC Pride March. And we discussed plans to participate in the School of the Americas protest, November 16-18.

RECESS

The Convention went into recess at 3:30 p.m.

**********************************************************************
(3) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

To be sure you are a member for 2007, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo (2006-2008), newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Gregg Jocoy (2007-2009), greggjocoy@riseup.net
(h) 803-547-2112,
203 Pond View Lane, Fort Mill, SC 29715

Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2007-2009), holmamcolumbia@aol.com
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Bryan Smith (2006-2008), bryanspospup@yahoo.com
(h) 803-547-4884, (w) 704-333-6678
204 Grier St, Fort Mill, SC 29715

David Whiteman (2007-2009), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams (2006-2008)
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Elaine Mangum (delegate)
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: [vacant]
Media Committee: [vacant]

*********************************************
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

*********************************************
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

Bulletin 5.3: Agenda and Location Change for State Green Party Convention on August 25th!

2007-08-23T13:01:00.001-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 5, No. 3 – August 22, 2007
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) NEW LOCATION FOR CONVENTION: RICHLAND COUNTY LIBRARY
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 25th
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(4) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) NEW LOCATION FOR CONVENTION **********************************************************************

The State Convention will be held at the Richland County Public Library, 1431 Assembly Street, in Columbia. We will be meeting in the Landrum/Powell Conference Room, on the third level. This is a new location (replacing the Simkins House, as earlier planned).

The Richland County Public Library is on the corner of Assembly Street and Hampton Street, three blocks north of Gervais. From the State House, at the corner of Gervais and Assembly, go north for three blocks, and the library will be on your left.

**********************************************************************
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 25th **********************************************************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, August 25th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. We will be meeting in Columbia at a location TBA (but NOT the Simkins Center as previously announced).

Registration will begin at 12:45. The main items on the agenda are the elections for the Steering Committee and a discussion of SCGP goals for 2007-2008.

a. Report from Steering Committee on 2006-2007

b, Proposed Bylaw Amendment

One proposed bylaw amendment was received by the deadline (one month prior to the annual meeting). The proposed change (to section 4.2) is to increase the number of Steering Committee members from seven to nine. The rationale is that, if we are to make progress in the next year in anticipation of the 2008 elections, we need to have more members involved. One way to increase involvement is to give more members a role in the leadership.

c. Election of Steering Committee members

d. Reports from Locals

e. Setting SCGP Goals for 2007-08

f. Organizing for action at state and local levels

g. Adjournment

**********************************************************************
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now closed for the Steering Committee elections. Committee members will be elected by current members attending the State Convention. Four people have accepted nominations to be on the ballot:

Gregg Jocoy:

My goal for the South Carolina Green Party would be to identify two things we can do effectively over the next six months, and work to make those two projects a success. As an example, I can imagine the South Carolina Green Party working hand in hand with Greens from other states, especially Georgia, to make the Green Party presence at the protest at the School of the America's at Fort Benning, GA noticeable to all there. Another could be to have a large presence at the Pride event in the fall in Columbia.

Rather than goals like "Growing our membership" or "Establishing new chapters", these goals can be met with our current small numbers. If we are seen as successful by our own membership and folks at these events we should have a positive roll going, leading to more successes over the following six months.

We should consider establishing other goals as well, such as reporting, holding regular meetings, membership targets, and improved communications, but all these should follow success in the first two efforts. We must build confidence for larger targets by setting and hitting goals that make us stretch, but not to the point where the system breaks down.

Most of you know that I was involved in helping secure the cooperation of the Natural Law Party in transferring their ballot line to us. I have written, in cooperation with my fellow York County Greens, a series of columns covering everything from a local hospital debate to the war on Iraq, for almost two years. Printed in YC Magazine, several pieces will be available for reading at the state convention, and are also online now at the York County Greens website,
www.YorkGreens.com

In addition I write one of the most widely read...very sad to say, blogs on the Internet that deals with Green Party business. I say largest because, while my hits are very low, so are the hits for almost any Green Party blog at this point. I'm averaging about a dozen a day at this point. The blog can be read at
www.gregg-jocoy.blogspot.com.

Nammu Muhammad:

In 2001, I became very interested in community issues. As the result of my interests and concerns, I formed "The Association" which is primarily responsible for keeping the community informed about relevant issues that may impact them. An example of my initiatives: I was instrumental with helping a person save her home which was being taken from her illegally. I worked with youth in my neighborhood to organize several car washes which provided them financial assistance toward the purchase of school clothes and spending change for themselves. Some of the children were not accustomed to receiving an allowance from their parents or primary caretakers, so, hopefully, you can imagine how happy they were to have some pocket change. I served as Antonio Williams' Campaign Manager for his District II election bid for City Council, and I worked very diligently for Ms. Efia Nwangaza during her campaign for governor. Most recently, I ran as a Green Party candidate for the Richland County Council in 2006.

Bryan Smith

I would like to announce my interest in becoming a candidate for the State Steering Committee. I am a resident of York County and have been involved with the York County Green Party for several years. My reasons for seeking this position are:

-Growing the Green Party in both number of members as well as number of Counties represented.

-Increasing the Green Party presence in statewide debate of issues.

-Promoting the Green Party and reaching out to voters who may be unaware of the Party and/or our platform.

I feel these goals can be achieved through internet/website promotion, regular press releases, and developing an activist approach at both the State and County levels.

David Whiteman

I have been an active member of the SC Green Party since its founding, and I currently serve as Secretary-Treasurer on the Steering Committee. I teach political science at USC and last year became the director of USC's Center for Sustainable Futures, which coordinates the university's environmental education activities.

My main activities for the Green Party this past year have been to file our quarterly paperwork with the State Ethics Commission, file our reports with the State Elections Commission and County Election Commissions, maintain our bank accounts, write and send out newsletters, maintain our database, and serve as a Delegate to the Green National Committee.

I would like to serve another term in order to help the SCGP reach more of its potential for public education and campaigning. We've been able to attract interesting candidates, but we need more attention to helping those candidates become more visible in the electoral process.

**********************************************************************
(4) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2007, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo (2006-2008), newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Elaine Mangum (2006-2008), elainemangum@gmail.com
(h) 803-477-7774
2855 Superior St, Columbia, SC 29205

Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2005-2007)
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Laura Sima (2005-2007), laura.corina.sima@gmail.com
(h) 803-979-1052
616 Pickens St, Apt 4, Columbia, SC 29201

David Whiteman (2005-2007), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams (2006-2008)
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Elaine Mangum (delegate)
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: [vacant]
Media Committee: [vacant]

*********************************************
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

*********************************************
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

BYLAWS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA GREEN PARTY

2007-08-23T13:00:00.001-04:00

ARTICLE 1: NAME AND PURPOSE

1.1 NAME. The name of the organization shall be the South Carolina Green Party (hereafter referred to as “Party”).

1.2 TEN KEY VALUES. The Party is founded on Ten Key Values: grassroots democracy, social justice and equal opportunity, ecological wisdom, nonviolence, decentralization, community-based economics and economic justice, feminism and gender equity, respect for diversity, personal and global responsibility, and future focus and sustainability.

1.3 PURPOSE. The purpose of the Party is to uphold and advocate the Ten Key Values by organizing and empowering citizens to engage in political and educational activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, recruiting candidates for public office, nominating and/or endorsing candidates for public office in partisan and non-partisan races, publicly endorsing or opposing issue campaigns, and supporting the efforts of local groups and candidates.

ARTICLE 2: MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION

2.1 ELIGIBILITY. Participation in Party activities is open to any resident of South Carolina who wishes to support our political efforts. According to state law, eligibility for membership in the Party is restricted to residents who are (a) at least eighteen years of age, (b) a registered voter, and (c) a citizen of South Carolina and the United States.

2.2 REQUIREMENTS. To be considered a member of the Party, a citizen must have completed a state or local membership form indicating support for the Ten Key Values and must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. The Party will maintain a list of current members.

2.3 PARTICIPATION OF NON-MEMBERS. Residents of South Carolina not meeting age, citizenship, or voter registration requirements are encouraged to participate as fully as possible in Party activities.

ARTICLE 3: STATE CONVENTION

3.1 PURPOSE. The Party shall hold an annual State Convention for the purpose of nominating candidates, electing members to Party offices and committees, electing delegates to the Green Party of the United States, amending the Party platform, and other matters. The State Convention is the highest decision-making body in the Party.

3.2 PARTICIPATION AND VOTING. State Conventions are open to the general public. In even-numbered years (general election years), eligible voters will be the official delegates selected through the procedures outlined in Article 6. In odd-numbered years, eligible voters will be members who have been on the Party membership list for at least thirty days. The Convention shall seek consensus on all decisions. In the event consensus is not reached, a two-thirds vote of members present is required for adoption of any proposal. Abstentions shall not be counted as votes cast.

ARTICLE 4: STEERING COMMITTEE AND COORDINATING COUNCIL

4.1 RESPONSIBILITIES. The Steering Committee (hereafter “Committee”) shall be the administrative body of the Party. The Committee shall have responsibility to oversee and manage the day-to-day business and operations of the Party between meetings of the State Convention and Coordinating Council.

4.2 NUMBER AND OFFICERS. The Committee shall be comprised of seven members elected by the State Convention. Every effort should be made to elect a membership that reflects the gender and ethnic diversity of South Carolina. At the first Committee meeting subsequent to each State Convention, members of the Committee will designate two Co-chairs (one of each gender), a Secretary, and a Treasurer. These offices can be rotated at the discretion of the Committee. The Secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes at meetings of the Committee and State Convention and distributing them widely within all levels of the Party. The Treasurer shall be responsible for all the financial affairs of the Party and for filing reports with the appropriate state and federal offices as required by law. The other members are expected to take a leadership role on at least one state committee (such as fund-raising, communications, and elections).

4.3 TERMS AND ELECTIONS. Committee members shall serve two-year terms, staggered so that one-half of the terms expire each year. Members will be elected by the delegates at the State Convention, using approval voting. If a member is unable to complete a full term, the Committee shall select a replacement to finish that term.

4.4 NOMINATIONS. No later than one month before the State Convention, a Nominating Committee shall call for nominations for potential Committee members. Two weeks before the State Convention, the Nominating Committee will provide a final list of nominees, certifying that (a) they are members of the Party and (b) do not occupy a leadership position in any other political party. All nominees should submit a brief personal statement for inclusion in the State Convention agenda packet.

4.5 MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Committee shall generally occur monthly, and the time and place for regular meetings should be publicized widely within the Party. All meetings shall be open to all members of the Party. A quorum of a simple majority will enable the Committee to conduct its business. Special meetings may be held when called by three or more members of the Committee. Reasonable notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be given, at least twenty-four hours in advance.
4.6 DECISIONS. The Committee has the authority to adopt rules, policies, and procedures in accordance with the Ten Key Values. The Committee shall follow a consensus-seeking decision making process based on trust, respect, unity of purpose, nonviolence,
self-empowerment, cooperation, conflict resolution, commitment to the group, active participation, equal access to power, and patience. Meetings will be run by a facilitator who will use all appropriate techniques (such as stacking, go-rounds, brainstorming, fishbowl, silence) to lead to a consensus. In response to a call for consensus, members have the option of indicating minor concerns, major concerns, standing aside, and blocking concerns. Blocking concerns should be based on a generally recognized principle of the Party. All proposals must be approved by consensus. This decision-making policy may be amended as follows: at any meeting of the Committee, a member may propose an alternative decision making process; at the next meeting, a vote will be taken on the proposed process, and if three-fourths of the members present approve, the new process will be put into effect. Members may not vote by proxy.

4.7 RESPONSIBILITIES. The duties of the Committee shall include, but are not limited to: overseeing finances and fund-raising, coordinating communications both within the Party and with the public, establishing and overseeing committees, designating official spokespersons, hiring and supervising staff, helping to organize local and regional groups, and designating presidential electors.

4.8 COMMITTEES AND STAFF. The Committee may create standing and special committees and may appoint chairs for those committees. The Committee may also hire staff and consultants to facilitate the work of Party.

4.9 RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF MEMBERS. A Committee member may resign by providing a written letter of resignation to an officer of the Party or to the Party at its principal office. A member may be removed from the Committee with cause by vote of a two-thirds majority of the members then in office. The removal process must begin with a letter signed by at least two members, and the matter will first be submitted to a conflict resolution process. If the process does not yield an agreeable solution, the matter shall be put on the agenda for the next meeting.

4.10 COMPENSATION. Committee members shall be precluded from receiving compensation for their services but shall be entitled to receive such amount, if any, as the Committee may from time to time determine, to cover expenses of attendance at meetings.

4.11 COORDINATING COUNCIL. The Coordinating Council shall be comprised of the members of the Steering Committee plus two additional members designated by each affiliated organization (as provided in Article 5). The Coordinating Council will meet quarterly (in place of the monthly Steering Committee meeting) and will have all the same responsibilities and follow all the same procedures as the Steering Committee.

ARTICLE 5: LOCAL, COUNTY, AND REGIONAL GROUPS

5.1 According to the principle of decentralization and grassroots democracy, Party members are encouraged to form local, county, regional, or identity-based Green Party organizations throughout the state. Each organization is entitled to appoint an observer to the Steering Committee and Coordinating Council, who will be notified of all meetings. Organizations that meet the requirements for affiliation (under section 5.2) will designate two representatives to serve as voting members of the Coordinating Council; at least one representative must be female or a person of color. Representatives will be responsible for communicating local concerns to the Coordinating Council as well as relaying information to local members from the Council.

5.2 Any local, county, or regional organization may apply for affiliation with the Party by making a request to the Steering Committee. Applications for formal affiliation must be made in writing and must include a copy of the organization's bylaws and a list of the organization's officers. The application must also include evidence that the organization (a) has transparent finances, (b) has registered with the State Ethics Commission once required by law, (c) has at least six members, and (d) has met at least four times during the preceding year. The Steering Committee has the authority to accept or reject any application for affiliation, subject to appeal by the next State Convention.

ARTICLE 6: NOMINATING CONVENTION PROCEDURES

6.1 In general election years (even-numbered years), the State Convention will follow the state laws (Title 7, Chapter 9) relating to convening a Nominating Convention. The process includes the convening of precinct-level meetings to select delegates to county conventions, and then the convening of county conventions to select delegates to the state convention.

6.2 PRECINCT MEETINGS. Each precinct will meet for reorganization at the time and on the day as determined by the county committee, no later than two weeks prior to the county convention. A notice must be published by the county committee once a week for two consecutive weeks not more than three weeks nor less than two weeks before the meeting date in a newspaper having general circulation in the county. Each club shall elect a president and one or more vice-presidents, a secretary and treasurer, a precinct or club secretary, and a district executive committeeman for each polling place within a precinct and may have such working committees as it considers necessary. The officers of the precinct shall be reported to the clerk of court of the county and to the Party secretary prior to the county convention;

6.3 COUNTY MEETINGS. Each county will meet for reorganization during a month determined by the state Steering Committee. The county committee shall set the date, time, and location for the county convention to be held; however, the date set by the county committee for the county convention must be at least two weeks prior to the state convention. Notices must be published by the county committee, once a week for two consecutive weeks, not more than three nor less than two weeks, before the day in a newspaper having general circulation in the county. The convention must be composed of delegates elected from the clubs in the county, one delegate for every twenty-five members and major fraction thereof, based upon the number of votes for presidential electors at the last preceding general election from the precinct as determined by the state committee. The list of delegates certified to by the president and secretary of each club shall constitute the temporary roll of the county convention. When organized, the county convention shall elect officers, including a president, secretary, treasurer, county chairman, the county vice-chairman, a member of the State committee from the county, and as many delegates to the State Convention as triple the number of members from the county in the House of Representatives, plus one. But county conventions at their discretion may elect double the number of delegates in which case each delegate shall have one-half vote. All officers except delegates shall be reported to the clerk of court of the county, to the Party Secretary, and to the Secretary of State prior to the State Convention.

6.4 STATE CONVENTION. The State Convention shall meet prior to May fifteenth, on a day and at a time and in a location determined by the Steering Committee and announced publicly at least ten days before the meeting. The State Convention must be composed of delegates elected by the county conventions. Each county is entitled to one delegate for each six thousand residents of the county, according to the latest official United States Census, plus two additional members. The state officers must be reported to the Secretary of State and to the State Election Commission within fifteen days of their election and the reports must be public record.

6.5 NATIONAL CONVENTION. During presidential election years, the State Convention will express its choice of candidates to be nominated at the Presidential Nominating Convention of the Green Party of the United States and so instruct its delegates to that national convention.

ARTICLE 7: CANDIDATES

All Party candidates must provide written assurance that they agree to (a) support the Ten Key Values, (b) follow state campaign finance law, and (c) provide the Party Secretary with copies of all filings to the State Ethics Commission and the Federal Elections Commission.

ARTICLE 8: PARTY PLATFORM

The Party shall adopt a platform based on the Ten Key values that clearly defines the Party’s position on issues facing our society and the world. The platform will be based on the platform of the Green Party of the United States, modified to address the specific policy concerns relevant to South Carolina. The platform will be a guide for elected officials and other Party members engaged in public policy making.

ARTICLE 9: RELATIONSHIP TO THE NATIONAL PARTY

The Party is affiliated with the Green Party of the United States. The Party will appoint delegates and alternates to the national Coordinating Committee and will appoint representatives to other national committees. In even-numbered years, the Party will, at its State Convention, select delegates to national convention (which in presidential election years will be the Presidential Nominating Convention). These delegates and representatives shall be precluded from receiving compensation for their services but shall be entitled to receive such amount, if any, as the Party may from time to time determine, to cover expenses, including expenses related to participation in meetings.

ARTICLE 10: EXPULSION OF MEMBERS

A member who acts in opposition to the Ten Key Values or other explicit principles and values of the Party may be expelled only by a vote of the Steering Committee, Coordinating Council, or State Convention. The expulsion process must begin with a letter signed by at least two members, and the matter will first be submitted to a conflict resolution process. All members, including the member proposed for expulsion, must be notified at least two weeks before the meeting where the issue will be raised.

ARTICLE 11: FINANCES

The Party will adopt an annual budget, including anticipated expenses and sources of revenue. The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the finances of the Party, making regular reports to the Steering Committee, and submitting financial reports to the appropriate State and Federal agencies.

ARTICLE 12. PERSONAL LIABILITY

The Officers, Steering Committee members, Coordinating Council members, and employees of the Party shall not be personally liable for any debt, liability, or obligation of the Party. All persons, corporations, or other entities extending credit to, contracting with, or having any claim against the Party, may look only to the funds and property of the Party for the payment of any such contract or claim, or for the payment of any debt, damages, judgment, or decree, or of any money that may otherwise become due or payable to them from the Party.

ARTICLE 13. DISSOLUTION

Should the Party ever dissolve, the Steering Committee shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Party, transfer all assets to the Green Party of the United States.

ARTICLE 14: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

Amendments to these bylaws must be approved by either (1) a State Convention or (2) the Steering Committee, at two consecutive meetings. Amendments may be proposed by any member of the Party. Amendments to be considered at a State Convention must be submitted to the Steering Committee at least one month prior to the convention.

Originally adopted on December 2, 2001. Revised June 2003; March 24, 2004.

Bulletin 5.2: Agenda and Location Change for State Green Party Convention on August 25th!

2007-08-20T00:11:00.000-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 5, No. 2 – August 19, 2007
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) LOCATION CHANGE FOR STATE CONVENTION
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 25th
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(4) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) LOCATION CHANGE FOR STATE CONVENTION
**********************************************************************

The State Convention will NOT be held at the Simkins House--ownership of the house has just been transferred to the Historic Columbia Foundation and apparently they will be undertaking renovations.

The final location will be posted on the website as soon as we get confirmation. The most likely location is the Richland County Public Library on Assembly Street. If you would like to confirm the final location on Friday evening, please call 803-799-1205. If no one answers, leave a message, and someone will call you back.

**********************************************************************
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 25th
**********************************************************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, August 25th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. We will be meeting in Columbia at a location TBA (but NOT the Simkins Center as previously announced).

Registration will begin at 12:45. The main items on the agenda are the elections for the Steering Committee and a discussion of SCGP goals for 2007-2008.

a. Report from Steering Committee on 2006-2007

b, Proposed Bylaw Amendment

One proposed bylaw amendment was received by the deadline (one month prior to the annual meeting). The proposed change (to section 4.2) is to increase the number of Steering Committee members from seven to nine. The rationale is that, if we are to make progress in the next year in anticipation of the 2008 elections, we need to have more members involved. One way to increase involvement is to give more members a role in the leadership.

c. Election of Steering Committee members

d. Reports from Locals

e. Setting SCGP Goals for 2007-08

f. Organizing for action at state and local levels

g. Adjournment

**********************************************************************
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now closed for the Steering Committee elections. Committee members will be elected by current members attending the State Convention. Four people have accepted nominations to be on the ballot:

Gregg Jocoy:

My goal for the South Carolina Green Party would be to identify two things we can do effectively over the next six months, and work to make those two projects a success. As an example, I can imagine the South Carolina Green Party working hand in hand with Greens from other states, especially Georgia, to make the Green Party presence at the protest at the School of the America's at Fort Benning, GA noticeable to all there. Another could be to have a large presence at the Pride event in the fall in Columbia.

Rather than goals like "Growing our membership" or "Establishing new chapters", these goals can be met with our current small numbers. If we are seen as successful by our own membership and folks at these events we should have a positive roll going, leading to more successes over the following six months.

We should consider establishing other goals as well, such as reporting, holding regular meetings, membership targets, and improved communications, but all these should follow success in the first two efforts. We must build confidence for larger targets by setting and hitting goals that make us stretch, but not to the point where the system breaks down.

Most of you know that I was involved in helping secure the cooperation of the Natural Law Party in transferring their ballot line to us. I have written, in cooperation with my fellow York County Greens, a series of columns covering everything from a local hospital debate to the war on Iraq, for almost two years. Printed in YC Magazine, several pieces will be available for reading at the state convention, and are also online now at the York County Greens website,
www.YorkGreens.com

In addition I write one of the most widely read...very sad to say, blogs on the Internet that deals with Green Party business. I say largest because, while my hits are very low, so are the hits for almost any Green Party blog at this point. I'm averaging about a dozen a day at this point. The blog can be read at
www.gregg-jocoy.blogspot.com.

Nammu Muhammad:

In 2001, I became very interested in community issues. As the result of my interests and concerns, I formed "The Association" which is primarily responsible for keeping the community informed about relevant issues that may impact them. An example of my initiatives: I was instrumental with helping a person save her home which was being taken from her illegally. I worked with youth in my neighborhood to organize several car washes which provided them financial assistance toward the purchase of school clothes and spending change for themselves. Some of the children were not accustomed to receiving an allowance from their parents or primary caretakers, so, hopefully, you can imagine how happy they were to have some pocket change. I served as Antonio Williams' Campaign Manager for his District II election bid for City Council, and I worked very diligently for Ms. Efia Nwangaza during her campaign for governor. Most recently, I ran as a Green Party candidate for the Richland County Council in 2006.

Bryan Smith

I would like to announce my interest in becoming a candidate for the State Steering Committee. I am a resident of York County and have been involved with the York County Green Party for several years. My reasons for seeking this position are:

-Growing the Green Party in both number of members as well as number of Counties represented.

-Increasing the Green Party presence in statewide debate of issues.

-Promoting the Green Party and reaching out to voters who may be unaware of the Party and/or our platform.

I feel these goals can be achieved through internet/website promotion, regular press releases, and developing an activist approach at both the State and County levels.

David Whiteman

I have been an active member of the SC Green Party since its founding, and I currently serve as Secretary-Treasurer on the Steering Committee. I teach political science at USC and last year became the director of USC's Center for Sustainable Futures, which coordinates the university's environmental education activities.

My main activities for the Green Party this past year have been to file our quarterly paperwork with the State Ethics Commission, file our reports with the State Elections Commission and County Election Commissions, maintain our bank accounts, write and send out newsletters, maintain our database, and serve as a Delegate to the Green National Committee.

I would like to serve another term in order to help the SCGP reach more of its potential for public education and campaigning. We've been able to attract interesting candidates, but we need more attention to helping those candidates become more visible in the electoral process.

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(4) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2007, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo (2006-2008), newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Elaine Mangum (2006-2008), elainemangum@gmail.com
(h) 803-477-7774
2855 Superior St, Columbia, SC 29205

Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2005-2007)
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Laura Sima (2005-2007), laura.corina.sima@gmail.com
(h) 803-979-1052
616 Pickens St, Apt 4, Columbia, SC 29201

David Whiteman (2005-2007), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams (2006-2008)
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Elaine Mangum (delegate)
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: [vacant]
Media Committee: [vacant]

*********************************************
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

*********************************************
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

Bulletin 5.1: Attend the Annual State Green Party Convention on August 25th!

2007-07-24T02:03:00.000-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 5, No. 1 – July 21, 2007
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:
(1) ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION SET FOR AUGUST 25th
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(3) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON AUGUST 25th
**********************************************************************

Please join us for the annual state convention of the South Carolina Green Party in Columbia on Saturday, August 25th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. We will be meeting at the Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street.

Registration will begin at 12:45. The main items on the agenda are the elections for the Steering Committee and a discussion of how to achieve the SCGP goals for 2007.

The Simkins Center is near the corner of Marion and Elmwood. From the State House, go east on Gervais for two blocks to Marion Street, then turn left (north) on Marion almost to Elmwood.

**********************************************************************
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now open for election to the Steering Committee. Nominations must be received no later than August 11th (two weeks before the State Convention). Steering Committee members will be elected by members present at the State Convention. The terms of three Steering Committee members are ending (Nammu Muhammad, Laura Sima, and David Whiteman), so three positions will be open.

Nominations may be emailed (just reply to this email or to davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com) or mailed (SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC 29250).

In order to be eligible to be on the ballot, anyone nominated must certify by August 11th that they (a) are interested in being on the ballot, (b) are a member of the Party, and (c) do not occupy a leadership position in any other political party. All nominees should also submit a brief personal statement for inclusion in the SCGP Bulletin and the State Convention agenda packet.

After nominations are closed on August 11th, the Steering Committee will provide a final list of nominees.

**********************************************************************
(3) MAKE YOUR 2007 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2007, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo (2006-2008), newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Elaine Mangum (2006-2008), elainemangum@gmail.com
(h) 803-477-7774
2855 Superior St, Columbia, SC 29205

Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2005-2007)
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Laura Sima (2005-2007), laura.corina.sima@gmail.com
(h) 803-979-1052
616 Pickens St, Apt 4, Columbia, SC 29201

David Whiteman (2005-2007), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams (2006-2008)
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Elaine Mangum (delegate)
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: [vacant]
International Committee: [vacant]
Media Committee: [vacant]

*********************************************
(F) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

*********************************************
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

Bulletin 4.5: Support our Candidates! Last Call for Campaign Donations

2006-10-29T14:06:00.000-05:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 4, No. 5 – October 28, 2006
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) SUPPORT OUR CANDIDATES!

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR 2006 ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
(C) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(D) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(E) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(F) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(G) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(H) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) SUPPORT OUR CANDIDATES! **********************************************************************

Please support our candidates in the 2006 elections! Donations can be sent to the SC Green Party Campaign Fund at P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC 29250. You may designate funds to a specific candidate, or just make a general contribution in support of all of our candidates.

Five candidates are on the Green Party ballot line for November 7th. Our only state-wide candidate is Arnold Karr, who is running for State Superintendent of Education. Three candidates are running for the U.S. Congress: James Dunn in District 1, Faye Walters in District 4, and Antonio Williams in District 6.

In Richland County, Midlands Green Party member Nammu Muhammad is running for Richland County Council, District 5.

To volunteer to help with their campaigns, please respond to this Bulletin or contact the candidates directly (see contact information in section B below).

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR 2006 ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
**********************************************************

We have six candidates running in the 2006 elections, and they need your support! To volunteer to help with their campaigns, reply to this Bulletin or contact the candidate directly:

James E. Dunn (U.S. Congress, District 1)
2970 Newberry Trail, Garden City, SC 29576
(h) 843-651-2677, (w) 843-293-7611
aquarius@sccoast.net

Faye Walters (U.S. Congress, District 4)
3620 Pelham Rd., PMB# 356, Greenville, SC 29615
(h) 864-631-7945
faye4congress@yahoo.com

Antonio Williams (U.S. Congress, District 6)
1517 Manning Avenue, Columbia, SC 29204
(h) 803-605-5084

Arnold Karr (State Superintendent of Education)
P.O. Box 50586, Columbia, SC 29250
(h) 803-318-4472, (w) 803-896-3045
arnold_karr@hotmail.com

Alvin Portee (Richland County Council, District 4)
817 Chester Street, Columbia, SC 29201
(h) 803-256-1945, (w) 803-699-3580 x3129, (cell) 479-3361

Nammu Muhammad (Richland County Council, District 5)
1517 Manning Avenue, Columbia, SC 29204
(h) 803-414-4426

**********************************************************
(C) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(D) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(E) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(F) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo (2006-2008), newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Elaine Mangum (2006-2008), elainemangum@gmail.com
(h) 803-477-7774
2855 Superior St, Columbia, SC 29205

Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2005-2007)
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Laura Sima (2005-2007), laura.corina.sima@gmail.com
(h) 803-979-1052
616 Pickens St, Apt 4, Columbia, SC 29201

David Whiteman (2005-2007), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams (2006-2008)
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Elaine Mangum (delegate)
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: Elaine Mangum
International Committee: Gregg Jocoy
Media Committee: Gregg Jocoy

*********************************************
(G) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

*********************************************
(H) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

BULLETIN 4.4: Candidates Nominated, New Steering Committee Members

2006-05-21T15:01:00.000-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 4, No. 4 – May 21, 2006
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) CANDIDATES NOMINATED FOR 2006 ELECTIONS
(2) NEW STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTED
(3) ARNOLD KARR ENDORSED BY STATE AFL-CIO

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR 2006 ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
(C) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(D) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(E) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(F) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(G) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(H) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) CANDIDATES NOMINATED FOR 2006 ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Six candidates will be on the Green Party ballot line in November. Our only state-wide candidate is Arnold Karr, who is running for State Superintendent of Education. Three candidates are running for the U.S. Congress: James Dunn in District 1, Faye Walters in District 4, and Antonio Williams in District 6.

In Richland County, two Midlands Green Party members will be running for Richland County Council: Alvin Portee in District 4 and Nammu Muhammad in District 5.

To volunteer to help with their campaigns, please respond to this Bulletin or contact the candidates directly (see contact information in section B below).

**********************************************************************
(2) NEW STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTED **********************************************************************

Five Green Party members were elected at the State Convention to serve on the Steering Committee: Bill Bobo (2006-2008), Elaine Mangum (2006-2008), Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), Laura Sima (2005-2007), and Antonio Williams (2006-2008). Continuing on the Committee are Nammu Muhammad (2005-2007) and David Whiteman (2005-2007).

**********************************************************************
(3) ARNOLD KARR ENDORSED BY STATE AFL-CIO **********************************************************************

Arnold Karr, the Green Party nominee for State Superintendent of Education, has been endorsed by the South Carolina AFL-CIO. This marks the first endorsement of a Green by the state labor federation since ballot access was secured. Karr plans to use the AFL-CIO endorsement to advance issues important to all workers in the state. For information on joining his campaign, see below.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: TBA.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR 2006 ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
**********************************************************

We have six candidates running in the 2006 elections, and they need your support! To volunteer to help with their campaigns, reply to this Bulletin or contact the candidate directly:

James E. Dunn (U.S. Congress, District 1)
2970 Newberry Trail, Garden City, SC 29576
(h) 843-651-2677, (w) 843-293-7611
aquarius@sccoast.net

Faye Walters (U.S. Congress, District 4)
1178 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC 29607
(h) 864-631-7945
faye4congress@yahoo.com

Antonio Williams (U.S. Congress, District 6)
1517 Manning Avenue, Columbia, SC 29204
(h) 803-605-5084

Arnold Karr (State Superintendent of Education)
412 S. Edisto Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205
(h) 803-256-7108, (w) 803-896-3045
akarr@sc.rr.com

Alvin Portee (Richland County Council, District 4)
817 Chester Street, Columbia, SC 29201
(h) 803-256-1945, (w) 803-699-3580 x3129

Nammu Muhammad (Richland County Council, District 5)
1517 Manning Avenue, Columbia, SC 29204
(h) 803-414-4426

**********************************************************
(C) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(D) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(E) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(F) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo (2006-2008), newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Elaine Mangum (2006-2008), elainemangum@gmail.com
(h) 803-477-7774
2855 Superior St, Columbia, SC 29205

Leslie Minerd (2006-2008), hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad (2005-2007)
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

Laura Sima (2005-2007), laura.corina.sima@gmail.com
(h) 803-979-1052
616 Pickens St, Apt 4, Columbia, SC 29201

David Whiteman (2005-2007), davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams (2006-2008)
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Elaine Mangum (delegate)
David Whiteman (delegate)

SCGP members on national committees:
Coordinated Campaign Committee: Elaine Mangum
International Committee: Gregg Jocoy
Media Committee: Gregg Jocoy

*********************************************
(G) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
*********************************************

Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

*********************************************
(H) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

Bulletin 4.3: Candidates File, State Convention Agenda Set

2006-04-12T00:49:00.000-04:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 4, No. 3 – April 11, 2006
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) CANDIDATES FILE FOR 2006 ELECTIONS
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON APRIL 22nd
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR 2006 ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
(C) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(D) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(E) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(F) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(G) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
(H) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) CANDIDATES FILE FOR 2006 ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Seven candidates have filed to be on the Green Party ballot line in November. Three have already been officially nominated by delegates to the Richland County Green Party Convention: Kenneth Styer for House District 75, Alvin Portee for County Council District 4, and Nammu Muhammad for County Council 5.

Four other candidates will be voted on by delegates to the State Convention: James Dunn for Congressional District 1, Faye Walters for Congressional District 4, Antonio Williams for Congressional District 6, and Arnold Karr for State Superintendent of Education.

To volunteer to help with their campaigns, please respond to this Bulletin or contact the candidates directly (see contact information in section B below).

**********************************************************************
(2) AGENDA FOR STATE CONVENTION ON APRIL 22nd **********************************************************************

The SC Green Party's annual State Convention will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22nd, at the Modjeska Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street (between Calhoun & Elmwood), in Columbia. We will follow our usual agenda, beginning with elections for the Steering Committee, then nominations for federal and statewide offices, and then elections for delegates to the national Green Party convention.

Everyone is encouraged to attend! Official delegates to the state convention have been chosen through precinct meetings and county conventions leading up to the state convention, following the timetable set up in the bylaws; however, all SC Green Party members are encouraged to participate in our planning for the upcoming election cycle.

**********************************************************************
(3) NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now closed for the Steering Committee elections. Committee members will be elected by delegates to the State Convention. Five people have accepted nominations to be on the ballot:

Bill Bobo

My name is Bill Bobo, from North Augusta, SC. I have been active member of the South Carolina Green Party from its birth. I do not belong to any other political party. I'm a card-carrying Green Party member. What I want is a strong and healthy South Carolina Green Party.

Elaine Mangum

I have been an active member of the Midlands Green Party for 2 years, and I now serve as the SCGP contact person for the Green Party's national Coordinated Campaign Committee. I am a paralegal at a small law firm in Northeast Columbia. I am currently pursuing a Masters degree at USC in Special Education, focusing on children who have emotional and behavioral disabilities.

Leslie Minerd

Leslie Minerd, a current member the Steering Committee, owns Hip-Wa-Zee, a vintage clothing and costume shop. One of her passions is and has been trying to slow down the environmental destruction of the planet. She has put lots and lots of volunteer hours into various conservation groups such as Environmentalists Inc., Carolina Peace Resource Center (CPRC), and Citizens Local Environmental Action Network (CLEAN). She has also worked with foster children through Continuum of Care. In 2000, she, along with a handful of dedicated volunteers, got Nader on the S.C. ballot and campaigned for him statewide. Leslie would like to see the Green party become more of a statewide organization. She thinks that, not only should we work on promoting Green candidates, but we should take on local conservation and social justice issues.

Laura Sima

I am a student at the University of South Carolina studying environmental chemistry. I have been involved with USC Green Party since my freshman year (fall 2003) and worked with the state Green Party during the fall 2004 elections. I am president of Students Allied for a Greener Earth on the USC campus and have worked with Carolina Peace Resources Center on a number of projects, including a get out the vote effort in 2004 (where I helped coordinate the campus effort). I have been involved in cleanup advocacy for the Savannah River Site since my freshman year and worked with the nuclear issues committee of the Carolina Peace Resources Center. During the fall 2004 political campaign I also helped a virtual greens groups translate material for outreach to Latino communities.

Antonio Williams

I have served on the Steering Committee for the past year and have been active in the Midlands Green Party for the past two years. I was endorsed by the Midlands Green Party as a write-in candidate for State Senate in 2004 and ran for an at-large seat in the 2006 Columbia City Council elections. I am currently President of the Association Progressive Black Caucus, a grassroots community organization that was formed in 2001. The organization explores the concerns of the people within the community and formulates plans in order to resolve whatever issues there are. I work in construction and serve as Associate Pastor of the Fellowship Baptist Church.

*************************************************
(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting TBA, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: April 15th.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

**********************************************************
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR 2006 ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
**********************************************************

We have seven candidates running in the 2006 elections, and they need your support! To volunteer to help with their campaigns, reply to this Bulletin or contact the candidate directly:

James E. Dunn (U.S. Congress, District 1)
2970 Newberry Trail, Garden City, SC 29576
(h) 843-651-2677, (w) 843-293-7611
aquarius@sccoast.net

Faye Walters (U.S. Congress, District 4)
1178 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC 29607
(h) 864-631-7945
faye4congress@yahoo.com

Antonio Williams (U.S. Congress, District 6)
1517 Manning Avenue, Columbia, SC 29204
(h) 803-605-5084

Arnold Karr (State Superintendent of Education)
412 S. Edisto Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205
(h) 803-256-7108, (w) 803-896-3045
akarr@sc.rr.com

Kenneth Styer (SC House, District 75)
67 Downing Street, Columbia, SC 29209
(h) 803-782-1412
styersc@earthlink.net

Alvin Portee (Richland County Council, District 4)
817 Chester Street, Columbia, SC 29201
(h) 803-256-1945, (w) 803-699-3580 x3129

Nammu Muhammad (Richland County Council, District 5)
1517 Manning Avenue, Columbia, SC 29204
(h) 803-414-4426

**********************************************************
(C) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

****************************
(D) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

*************************************************
(E) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(F) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Preston Holston, preston@scgreens.com
(h) 803-233-3132, ( c ) 803-360-1839
1117 Woodrow St, Columbia, SC 29205

Elaine Mangum, elainemangum@gmail.com
(h) 803-237-8441
2855 Superior St, Columbia, SC 29205

Leslie Minerd, hipwazee@gmail.com
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad
(h) 803-414-4426
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams
(h) 803-605-5084
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Preston Holston (delegate)
David Whiteman (alternate)

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(G) GREEN PARTY OFFICE-HOLDERS
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Preston Holston (appointed)
Conservation Commission
Richland County

Lee Jane Kaufman (appointed)
Tree and Beautification Commission
City of Columbia

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(H) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to stop receiving the Bulletin and be deleted from the SC Green Party database, simply respond to this email and ask to be removed.

Bulletin 4.2: Preparations for State Convention

2006-03-26T00:58:00.000-05:00

THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
Volume 4, No. 2 – March 20, 2006
www.scgreenparty.org

FEATURES:

(1) ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON APRIL 22nd
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
(3) MAKE YOUR 2006 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

CONTINUING:

(A) LOCAL UPDATES
(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
(F) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN

**********************************************************************
(1) ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION ON APRIL 22nd **********************************************************************

The SC Green Party's annual State Convention, which will nominate candidates for statewide offices for the 2006 elections, will be held on in Columbia on Saturday afternoon, April 22, 2006. Details will be announced by the Steering Committee in the next few weeks.

Official delegates to the state convention must be chosen through precinct meetings and county conventions leading up to the state convention, following the timetable set up in the bylaws. However, all SC Green Party members are encouraged to attend the convention.

**********************************************************************
(2) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS **********************************************************************

Nominations are now open for election to the Steering Committee. Nominations must be received no later than April 8th (two weeks before the State Convention). Steering Committee members will be elected by delegates to the State Convention. Nominations may be emailed (just reply to this email or to davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com) or mailed (SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC 29250).

In order to be eligible to be on the ballot, anyone nominated must certify by April 8th that they (a) are interested in being on the ballot, (b) are a member of the Party, and (c) do not occupy a leadership position in any other political party. All nominees should also submit a brief personal statement for inclusion in the SCGP Bulletin and the State Convention agenda packet.

After nominations are closed on April 8th, the Steering Committee will provide a final list of nominees.

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(3) MAKE YOUR 2005 MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION
**********************************************************************

According the SCGP bylaws, in order to be considered a member of the Party for meetings and conventions, a citizen must have either (a) paid annual dues or (b) been an active member of a party organization in the state. To be sure you are a member for 2006, send in your $25 annual membership contribution. You can send your checks to SCGP, P.O. Box 5341, Columbia, SC, 29250.

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(A) LOCAL UPDATES
*************************************************

One major priority this year is to build strong local Green Party organizations in every area of the state. If you see a local party for your area in the list below, please contact the person listed. If you don’t see a local in your area, please volunteer to help organize a local group (especially if you're in Charleston)! For assistance to get you started, contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

MIDLANDS GREEN PARTY (Richland/Lexington):
Next meeting is March 25th, 4:00-5:00 PM, Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street, Columbia.
For more information, contact David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com, 803-799-1205.

AIKEN COUNTY GREEN PARTY (Aiken/North Augusta):
Next meeting TBA. Held at 3514 Gamble Road (off of Gregg, between Richland Ave and Trolley Line Road, about 2-3 blocks south of Trolley Line Road).
For more information contact Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com, 803-279-9604.

YORK COUNTY GREENS (York/Chester/Lancaster/Cherokee):
Next meeting: April 15th.
For more information, contact Gregg Jocoy, GreggJocoy29715@yahoo.com, 803-547-212.

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(B) VOLUNTEER FOR A STATE OR NATIONAL COMMITTEE
**********************************************************

Our state and national committees need your skills!

(a) State. Opportunities exist for volunteers on all state committees, including communication, fundraising, website, elections, and outreach and membership. If you're interested, please reply to this email and let us know about your interests and skills.

(b) National. The SCGP is eligible to have representatives serve on most of the national USGP committees. For a list of committees, check out www.gpus.org/committees.html. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please reply to this email.

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(C) RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS
****************************

Encourage your friends to become members of the SCGP. The best way is just have them sign up through our website (www.scgreenparty.org). Or they can send their name, address, and phone number in reply to this email. We will add them to our mailing list and forward their names to our local organizers.

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(D) JOIN OUR DISCUSSION FORUM!
*************************************************

In addition to the SCGP Bulletin, which is distributed 2-3 times a month, the SCGP maintains a discussion/action forum for its members. If you are interested in receiving more frequent emails about issues and events related to green politics, please join the our Discussion Forum by sending an email to:

SC-GreenParty_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*************************************************************
(E) CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SCGP STEERING COMMITTEE
*************************************************************

Bill Bobo, newwines@aol.com
(h) 803-279-9604
908 Fairlane Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841

Preston Holston, preston@scgreens.com
(h) 803-233-3132, ( c ) 803-360-1839
1117 Woodrow St, Columbia, SC 29205

Leslie Minerd, hip-wa-zee@earthlink.net
(h) 803-799-9297, (w) 803-376-1500
2716 Blossom St, Columbia, SC 29205

Nammu Muhammad
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

David Whiteman, davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com
(w) 803-777-4548, (h) 803-799-1205
200 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Antonio Williams
1517 Manning Ave, Columbia, SC 29204

SCGP delegates to Green National Committee:
Preston Holston (delegate)
David Whiteman (alternate)

*********************************************
(G) ABOUT THE SC GREEN PARTY BULLETIN
*********************************************

The SC Green Party Bulletin, distributed no more than 2-3 times each month, is designed to keep members and friends of the SC Green Party informed about important state activities and events.

If you would like to receive the Bulletin, send an email to David Whiteman (davidpwhiteman@yahoo.com).

County Conventions Announced!

2006-03-24T11:52:00.000-05:00

The Midlands Green Party will be holding County Conventions for Richland and Lexington Counties on Saturday, March 25th, from 4:00-5:00 p.m., at the Modjeska Simkins Center, 2025 Marion Street(between Calhoun & Elmwood).  We will be nominating local candidates for 2006 elections and selecting delegates to the State Convention on April 22nd.

The York County Greens will be holding their county convention on April 15th, from 10 AM to Noon.  The convention will be held at the York County Library located in Baxter Village near the corner of Hwy 160 and I-77.  Arnold Karr, candidate for Superintendent of Education, will be the keynote speaker.

The convention will choose local leaders for the next year, and delegates to the state convention.  Plans are in motion to adopt resolutions on topics of a local and national nature as well.  Any candidates who have filled out applications to seek the Green Party nomination for local or county-wide office by the March 30th, noon deadline will also be interviewed, and a recommendation to accept or reject the nomination will then be submitted to the State Convention the following Saturday in Columbia.

Welcome to the new home of the South Carolina Greens online

2006-03-23T21:00:00.000-05:00

The South Carolina Green Party has established this website as a temporary communication tool. It will be used to provide information about what local Green Party chapters are up to, as well as what candidates are coming forward. Individual efforts will also be highlighted, and your participation in the website is welcome. Drop us a note anytime by just clicking here